Our goal is to provide a safe, welcoming, and enjoyable experience for every guest.

Please review the following festival policies before your visit.

By entering the festival grounds, all guests agree to follow these policies and the directions of festival staff, volunteers, security personnel, and law enforcement.

Thank you for helping us make the Columbus Italian Festival a fun and memorable celebration for everyone.

General Conduct

• Be respectful of fellow guests, volunteers, performers, vendors, parish staff, and law enforcement.
• Disorderly, abusive, threatening, or disruptive behavior will not be tolerated.
• Festival staff reserve the right to remove any individual whose behavior creates a safety concern or negatively impacts the experience of others.

Admission

• A valid admission ticket is required for entry.
• Children under 12 are admitted free when accompanied by an adult.
• Admission is non-refundable except in the event of festival cancellation.
• The festival operates rain or shine.

Security

• All bags, coolers, packages, and personal belongings are subject to inspection upon entry.
• Guests who refuse inspection will be denied entry.
• Law enforcement and security personnel are present throughout the festival.

Alcohol

• Alcohol may only be purchased and consumed by guests 21 years of age or older with valid government-issued photo identification.
• Please drink responsibly.
• Outside alcoholic beverages are prohibited.
• Anyone providing alcohol to minors will be removed from the festival and may be reported to law enforcement.

Prohibited Items

The following items are not permitted:

• Outside food or beverages (except medically necessary items or infant supplies)
• Alcoholic beverages
• Illegal drugs or controlled substances
• Weapons of any kind, including those carried under a concealed handgun license
• Fireworks or explosives
• Glass containers
• Drones or unmanned aircraft
• Laser pointers
• Large coolers and backpacks
• Bicycles, skateboards, scooters, hoverboards, or similar devices
• Unauthorized solicitation, sales, or distribution of promotional materials

Festival management reserves the right to prohibit any item not listed here that is deemed unsafe.

Pets

• Pets and animals are not permitted on festival grounds.
• Service animals that are individually trained to perform specific tasks for individuals with disabilities are permitted. Pets, therapy animals, and emotional support animals are not considered service animals and are not permitted.

Photography & Video

• By entering the festival, attendees consent to being photographed or recorded for promotional, marketing, news, or archival purposes.
• Professional photography or videography for commercial purposes requires prior approval from festival management.

Lost Children

• Parents and guardians must always supervise children.
• If you become separated from a child, immediately notify the nearest volunteer, police officer, or information booth.

Weather

• The festival takes place rain or shine.
• In the event of severe weather or another emergency, please follow instructions from festival staff and public safety officials.

Cleanliness

• Help keep our festival beautiful by using trash and recycling containers throughout the grounds.
• Please respect church property, neighboring businesses, and surrounding residential areas.

Vendors & Merchandise

• Only authorized festival vendors may sell merchandise or distribute promotional materials.
• Unauthorized vending or solicitation is prohibited.

Solicitation & Political Activity

The Columbus Italian Festival is a nonpartisan, family-friendly community event. Unauthorized solicitation, campaigning, petitioning, fundraising, or the distribution of literature is prohibited on festival grounds.

This includes, but is not limited to:

• Political campaign materials, flyers, signs, or promotional items
• Petitions or signature gathering
• Commercial advertising or promotional materials
• Distribution of religious, political, or organizational literature without prior written approval from festival management

Only organizations, exhibitors, sponsors, vendors, or activities that have received prior authorization from the Columbus Italian Festival may distribute materials or conduct outreach. Individuals or groups who violate this policy may be asked to cease their activities or leave the festival grounds.

Accessibility

• The Columbus Italian Festival is committed to providing an accessible experience for all guests.
• Please be courteous when using accessible seating, parking, and pathways.

Right to Refuse Admission

Festival management reserves the right to refuse admission or remove any guest, without refund, for violations of these rules or any behavior that threatens the safety, enjoyment, or operation of the festival.

For additional information, or to contact Columbus Italian Festival team, please email info@columbusitalianfestival.com

Grazie for helping us create a safe, welcoming, and family-friendly celebration of Italian heritage. Buon Festival!