Overcrowding forces police to close Montrose Beach entrances at Wilson, Montrose to traffic

CHICAGO (WLS) -- Memorial Day could not have been more perfect weather-wise. Chicago's beaches were so packed on Monday, parking lots filled up and police had to turn some people away.

Chicago police had to close the entrances to Montrose Beach at Wilson and Montrose avenues due to overcrowding. Police continue to monitor traffic and close the entrances when overcrowding occurs.

People are still allowed to enter the beach area on foot.

"It's a beautiful day, everyone is out, having a good time!" said Ian Sanders, who was playing football at North Avenue Beach.

Unlike cold, rainy or windy Memorial days of years past, it was clearly bathing suit weather.

On his first day of work this season, ice cream vendor David Delarosa sold 30 treats in two hours. The weather was clearly on his side.

"It's good. It's good for business," Delarosa said.

Though, the unofficial start of summer did not come and go without drama. Chicago police officers broke up a crowd on North Avenue Beach around 11:30 a.m.

No one was arrested, but bottles of beer and vodka were confiscated and emptied. Alcohol is prohibited in city parks.