ST. CLAIR COUNTY, Ill. – Midwest Wingfest will not return in 2025 due to safety concerns, the festival announced on social media earlier this week.

The event—always held in Fairview Heights—shut down early in 2024 as fights and gunshots were reported. 

Although no injuries were reported last year, police said that two people were arrested and several minors were pepper-sprayed for not cooperating with officials.

“The safety concerns following last year’s event have created too many variables and expenses for our all-volunteer crew to manage responsibly,” the festival wrote on Facebook.

Midwest Wingfest is a festival where volunteers raise money for injured veterans, the families of fallen soldiers and first responders.

Although the festival won’t be held this year, Midwest WingFest plans to host smaller events, honoring local heroes who served their community.  

More information about Midwest WingFest can be found here.