Lake in the Hills carnival shut down after fights break out, won't reopen Sunday: officials

LAKE IN THE HILLS, Ill. (WLS) -- A north suburban carnival will not reopen on Sunday after fights broke out there on Saturday, prompting officials to shut down the event.

The Algonquin/Lake in the Hills Chamber of Commerce said the carnival became overcrowded on Saturday evening and a "significant number" of unchaperoned teenagers who intended to "disrupt and cause trouble" descended on the carnival and shopping centers in the area.

Lake in the Hills police responded to the carnival at Randall and Algonquin roads, where they say very large crowds had gathered and multiple fights had broken out.

Officers dispersed the crowds, and no one was injured, police said.

The chamber of commerce said after a discussion with the village and its police chief, the carnival will not reopen on Sunday. The carnival was supposed to run from 1 p.m. to 9 p.m.

The chamber of commerce issued a statement, saying, in part, "We extend our deepest apologies to all those who had their visit cut short and to those who planned to attend the Carnival today and are unable to do so. We also extend our sympathy to the neighboring businesses affected by the disruptions caused by individuals with malicious intentions."