West Side Nut Club Fall Festival Safety Guide for Families
It's officially time for the 104th West Side Nut Club Fall Festival, an annual Southern Indiana tradition that draws tens of thousands of visitors to the 4-block stretch of Evansville's West Franklin Street each October.
This Indiana festival is so big and so popular that it was recently named the #1 Fall Festival in the nation for the third year in a row! Obviously, with that many people heading into the area, safety is a top priority for everyone. Several local first response agencies have shared tips to ensure everyone has a great time!
The McCutchanville Fire Department recently took to Facebook to share some helpful tips. In their post, they made the following recommendations:
- Carry only the essentials: your ID, some cash, and one credit card.
- Keep valuables in your front pockets for better security.
- Use a crossbody bag with secure closures like zippers, buttons, or clasps.
- Stay close to your group and avoid wandering off alone.
- Keep constant supervision on your children.
- Take a photo of your child before leaving home to have a current image and outfit reference if separated.
- Choose a designated meeting spot in case anyone gets separated.
- Place your phone number in your child’s pocket for quick contact.
- Leave the area if the crowd becomes unsafe or unruly.
- Report anything suspicious — if you see something, say something.
The Vanderburgh County Sheriff's Office is once again offering its Safe Kids Wristbands. These are a great way to ensure that you can be contacted if you and your child become separated. The wristbands can be picked up by visiting the Vanderburgh County Sheriff's Office booth at the intersection of Eleventh & Franklin Steets.
The Vanderburgh County Sheriff’s Office is once again offering Safe Kid Armbands at our booth on 11th & Franklin Street throughout the West Side Nut Club Fall Festival. These armbands help first responders quickly contact parents or guardians if a child becomes separated in the crowd. Parents can write their phone number on the inside of the band so it’s only visible when needed for safety. Before heading into the crowd, make sure your child has a Safe Kid Armband and knows where the Lost and Found Booth is located, in the median at 11th & Franklin. Stop by our booth to pick one up and say hello to our deputies!
The Evansville Police Department also shared safety tips on their Facebook page for the West Side Nut Club Fall Festival. When it comes to child safety, EPD recommends:
Fall Festival Safety Tips from the Evansville Police Department
Gallery Credit: Kat Mykals
With thousands of people, it is imperative to take precautions and have a plan before heading to Fall Festival. For more Fall Festival tips and tricks, keep reading to see our survival guide!
Evansville's Fall Festival Survival Guide
Gallery Credit: Kat Mykals
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