5 arrested after multiple fights break out at Kenmore Days

KENMORE, N.Y. (WIVB) -- Five arrests were made after multiple fights broke out involving large groups of youths and young adults at this year’s Kenmore Days, a three-day festival at Mang Park, Kenmore police said.

Kenmore Days ran from Thursday to Saturday and included a carnival and concerts. In a news release, police said multiple fights were broken up and dozens of young people were ejected from the park. Among the arrests are charges of trespassing, assault and resisting arrest.

An assault victim was kicked and punched numerous times, according to police, and had a cut to his nose, abrasions to his knees and head pain. He was treated by first aid at the scene and was not transported to the hospital at that time.

On the final day of Kenmore Days, police posted a schedule to Facebook saying rides would shut down at 7:00 p.m. and after that time, anyone under 18 years old had to be accompanied by a parent or guardian while in the park or they would be asked to leave.

Kenmore Mayor Patrick Mang said every year, the violence seems to get a little worse, and that puts the future of the festival at risk.

"I would think it's a threat, I really would," Mang said. "I would be honest with you because we are really concerned. We've always had these concerns, but in talking with the police chief, some of them were gangs and they're very confrontational, and they want confrontation with police and if that's going to happen continually over the next few years, we probably won't do something like this anymore."

WIVB News 4 asked police for an on-camera interview on Tuesday, but was told they had no additional information. News 4 also reached out to the Village of Kenmore trustees for comment and have yet to hear back. Trustee Donna Genesky provided no comment.