OSHKOSH (NBC 26) — Following the latest mass shooting at a Fourth of July parade in Northern Illinois - and others like it - Lifest in Oshkosh will have added security measures in place this year.
Lifest is one of the largest Christian music festivals in the country, with more than 100 acts set to perform on eight different stages starting Thursday at the Sunnyview Expo Center.
John Dougherty, festival director, said they see an average of 30,000 people three out of four days of the event, with an average of 10,000 attendees on the last day.
With any event as large as Lifest, Dougherty said well-planned security measures are always important. After the mass shooting Monday in Highland Park, Illinois where seven people died and dozens more were injured, safety is even more top of mind.
"Lifest has increased the private security that we bring on site to keep a watchful eye out for things that don't look correct," Dougherty said.
That means added security members and large cement barriers at all gates, as well as around-the-clock patrol on-site.
"We have key spotters in key locations to oversee the grounds," Dougherty said. "The county has updated its security cameras so there are cameras on site. Lots of things both from a county stand point and a festival stand point to keep people safe."
The Oshkosh Police Department will provide additional security at the festival.
"Every year we work with Lifest promotions and their security staff to ensure that the event goes flawlessly and keeping everybody safe," said Sgt. Chris Gorte, Oshkosh Police Department special operations sergeant.
Gorte said law enforcement is always aware and vigilant of people's safety at these types of large events.
"If you see something that you're concerned about, say something and we'd be happy to check it out," Gorte said.
When it comes to protests surrounding the Supreme Court's decision to overturn Roe v. Wade:
"Obviously people have the right to protest. We've experienced that before at the park," Dougherty said. "We just ask that everyone be cordial to each other."
Dougherty said Lifest is a private event and security can ask people to leave the property. Security can also search people's bags and vehicles on-site.
There won't be metal detectors at entrances.
Lifest begins Thursday and runs through Sunday.
