EXCLUSIVE VIDEO: Fighting Parents Halt Preschoolers’ Fun At Fun Fest

By Nik Brown CM
Production Coordinator
Published: July 14, 2008

A fight involving several adults forced police to clear out a Funfest event intended for preschool aged children Friday afternoon.

Two women began fighting near the stage where 1 to 4-years-old children were gathered to catch Mardis Gras style beads being tossed from the stage. Witnesses say the altercation was sparked after one woman accused a second woman of pushing her child in order to get closer to the stage.

Children and parents scattered while the two women wrestled on the pavement. Funfest organizers called for police over the loudspeakers, who responded within moments.

In the minutes after the fight, authorities cleared the area around the stage and began helping separated children find their parents.

One of the women involved in the fight was attended to by emergency officials at the scene but was not taken to the hospital. Lt. Bob Abernathy of the Kingsport Police said the fight resulted in no serious injuries.
 
“We reviewed the [tricities.com] tapes and we couldn’t see who started the fight. We’ll give them back the report and give the information to the two people that were involved and it will be up to them to get the warrants for assault themselves,” Abernathy said.