Why Security Guards Are Essential For Large Summer Events

Summer means one thing: crowds. From county fairs and state festivals to music events and outdoor markets, public gatherings surge between June and August. These events energize communities, support local economies, and bring people together—but they also introduce serious safety risks that can’t be ignored.

Whether you’re an event organizer, venue owner, or municipal partner, investing in professional security guards for summer events is one of the most critical decisions you’ll make.

At O’Brien & Associates, we provide licensed, highly trained personnel to ensure that large-scale events remain safe, orderly, and enjoyable for all involved. Here’s why experienced security staffing isn’t just smart—it’s essential

The Unique Risks of Large Summer Events

With thousands of attendees and multiple entry points, summer events come with challenges that require proactive oversight. Consider just a few of the risk factors:

• Uncontrolled crowds or bottlenecks at entrances

• Alcohol-related altercations

• Unauthorized access or theft

• Medical emergencies and lost children

• Unattended bags or suspicious activity

• After-dark safety concerns

These aren’t hypothetical—they’re real-world scenarios that can escalate quickly without trained professionals on-site to respond.

The Role of Security Guards at Public Events

Professional security guards do far more than stand at entrances. Their presence provides critical structure to an event that might otherwise be vulnerable to chaos. Their roles may include:

✅ Crowd Management

From helping with orderly entry and exit to preventing overcrowding in vendor areas, trained guards keep foot traffic flowing safely—without disrupting the event experience.

✅ Incident Response

When situations arise—whether it’s a fight, an injury, or a lost child—guards are trained to respond quickly and decisively. Their presence provides calm and authority when tensions are high.

✅ Access Control

Events with restricted areas (backstage zones, staff tents, VIP lounges, etc.) require guards to enforce boundaries and verify credentials.

✅ Theft and Vandalism Prevention

Security guards act as a strong visual deterrent against petty theft, property damage, and disruptive behavior, especially during late-night portions of festivals.

✅ Medical and Emergency Coordination

Many of our team members have EMT or law enforcement backgrounds and are trained to assist with or direct medical responders in case of emergencies.

Why Professionalism Matters

Not all security is created equal. Volunteers or temporary hires might not be equipped to handle high-pressure situations. At O’Brien & Associates, our team of more than 350 professionals includes former police officers, military veterans, EMTs, and certified private investigators.

Each security assignment is tailored to the venue, crowd size, and scope of the event. We work in uniformed or plain-clothes roles, depending on your preference, and can scale our coverage from a few guards to full-site patrol teams.

When you hire professional security guards for summer events, you’re not just filling a requirement—you’re making a strategic investment in your event’s reputation and long-term success.

Trusted Across the United States

From state fairs in Wisconsin to summer concerts in Minnesota, O’Brien & Associates has protected events of all sizes and complexities. With operations in Wisconsin, Minnesota, Iowa, Michigan, Illinois, Indiana, and Florida, we’re uniquely positioned to support regional organizers with responsive, reliable service.

Our clients include:

• County fair boards

• Music and arts festival organizers

• Outdoor sports event coordinators

• Municipal departments planning parades or street festivals

• Private venues hosting summer concert series or expos

Whether your event draws hundreds or tens of thousands, we bring the same level of preparation, professionalism, and peace of mind.

Planning for Security: A Few Tips for Organizers

If you’re planning a summer event, consider the following security best practices:

Ready to Secure Your Next Event?

At O’Brien & Associates, we’re committed to helping event organizers create safe, successful experiences. Whether you’re hosting a small-town fair or a large-scale music festival, our team will provide the protection your attendees, staff, and vendors deserve.

Let’s talk about your summer event.
Contact us to learn more.

Professional security guards for summer events aren’t a luxury—they’re a necessity.
Partner with the team that gets it right, every time.