PLAN AHEAD: Officials offer public safety reminders ahead of Redmond’s FairWell Festival

REDMOND, Ore. (KTVZ) -- The annual FairWell Festival is returning to the Deschutes County Fairgrounds Friday and Saturday, bringing in thousands of excited concert-goers to Central Oregon.

Ahead of the event, the Deschutes County Sheriff's Office (DCSO), Oregon State Police (OSP), and Redmond Police Department are offering public safety reminders to celebrate responsibly.

The agencies are urging those driving and attending to plan ahead, travel safe, and avoid drinking and driving.

"With large crowds expected for the popular music event, local and state law enforcement will have increased patrols throughout the area, particularly along U.S. Highway 97 and key intersections and main roadways throughout Redmond," DCSO said in a recent press release. "Traffic congestion is likely, and all three agencies urge attendees to give themselves extra time, avoid peak travel hours, and use rideshare services or carpooling whenever possible."

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Read the full press release below:

"As thousands of people head to the Deschutes County Fairgrounds this weekend for the Fairwell Festival, the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office (DCSO), Oregon State Police (OSP), and Redmond Police Department are reminding drivers and festivalgoers to plan ahead, travel safely, and celebrate responsibly.

With large crowds expected for the popular music event, local and state law enforcement will have increased patrols throughout the area, particularly along U.S. Highway 97 and key intersections and main roadways throughout Redmond. Traffic congestion is likely, and all three agencies urge attendees to give themselves extra time, avoid peak travel hours, and use rideshare services or carpooling whenever possible.

'Fairwell Festival is one of the most exciting weekends of the summer in Central Oregon,' said Jason Carr, Public Information Officer for the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office. 'Our deputies are here to help make the experience safe, smooth, and enjoyable for everyone. With large crowds and lots of traffic, we encourage folks to plan ahead, be patient, and make smart choices—especially when getting to and from the event. We want people to have fun, create great memories, and get home safely.'

DCSO will have teams stationed at the fairgrounds working directly with event staff. OSP and Redmond PD will lead highway and local street enforcement, emphasizing DUII prevention and crash response. In previous years, OSP has arrested more than 20 drivers during the festival weekend for DUII offenses.

“Your festival plans should include a sober ride home, whether using a rideshare service or designating a sober driver,” said Capt. Kyle Kennedy with Oregon State Police. “Have a plan to get home safely. It’s that simple.”

Local law enforcement presence is not about dampening the fun but ensuring that everyone—from festival attendees to local residents—stays safe on local roads. Drivers not attending the festival should expect heavier-than-usual traffic in and around Redmond, especially in the late afternoon and evening hours on Friday and Saturday."