More than 20,000 people are expected to fill Chilifest in Snook this weekend, and local law enforcement is ramping up security and traffic enforcement around the annual music festival in Burleson County.
Officials said the added presence is meant to keep the weekend from repeating problems reported last year, when there was disorderly conduct that included throwing empties, flipping tables and arguing with volunteers and staff.
Burleson County officials said Chilifest draws tens of thousands of people to the area each year and helps raise money for local non-profits, which is why this weekend matters far beyond the concert grounds. But the size of the crowd is also why deputies, state troopers and city officers are spreading out across the festival and nearby roads.
Burleson County Sheriff Bill Rios said impaired-driving enforcement will be strict, with DPS troopers working the streets to look for drivers under the influence. Undercover officers will also be in the crowd, and the county has partnered with College Station in Brazos County so officers there can watch people heading back to College Station after the festival. Snook Police Chief Steven Huron said he is preparing for traffic violators and will be patrolling the neighborhoods.
Festival President Canton Dunnigan said safety is the priority. “Our job is definitely to have fun, but safety is definitely first,” he said, adding that there are clear limits on behavior and that acting out will not be tolerated. Jackson said the aim is simple: “We all want to go home safe at the end of the night. Let’s just take care of each other.”
The message from organizers and law enforcement is the same because the risk is the same: a large crowd, heavy traffic and a history of disorder can turn a fundraiser into a problem fast. This weekend’s operation is designed to keep that from happening again.
