Council supports pet ban at festival

Next week, Palatine's elected officials will consider banning pets at the annual Street Fest later this month.

The dog issue was brought up at a meeting Monday night, after some village councilmen said they were surprised to read an article in the Daily Herald last week saying that pets are not allowed at the three-day fest.

A flier recently arrived in mailboxes spelling out the fact that pets are not welcome at Street Fest this year.

It reads: "Due to large crowds that are present during Street Fest weekend, we ask that you do not bring your pets to the event. However, your pet is invited to participate in Sunday's Pet Parade at 11:30 a.m."

When asked about the pet ban last week, assistant village manager Sam Trakas said it was the first time the village was doing such a thing, for the safety of participants at the festival.

But this week, he said it isn't a "ban," but instead just a request for people not to bring their pets.

Several councilmen say while they aren't against banning dogs from the festival, the council should make the decision, and they were not consulted.

Street Fest is an annual village-sponsored event in downtown Palatine. This year it will be held Aug. 24-26.

Elected officials on Monday said it's too hot and crowded at the festival for pets to be present. Councilman Jack Wagner likened bringing a dog to the festival similar to taking one to a banquet hall.

"It's hot and there's no place for them to get water," said Councilman Mike Jezierski.

The council unanimously voted to have an ordinance ready next week that will ban pets from the event, with the exception of four hours Sunday for the pet parade.

Officials also say that smoking is not banned from the festival, but people will be asked to smoke only in designated areas.