California State Fair steps up security, officials say, as fair returns from pandemic hiatus
Kids and teenagers, under the age of 18, do need to be accompanied by someone over 21 on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. Items also coming in need to go through security in a clear bag, fair officials said.
Kids and teenagers, under the age of 18, do need to be accompanied by someone over 21 on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. Items also coming in need to go through security in a clear bag, fair officials said.
Kids and teenagers, under the age of 18, do need to be accompanied by someone over 21 on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. Items also coming in need to go through security in a clear bag, fair officials said.
The California State Fair is back, and fair officials said Saturday there are new efforts in place to ensure the tens of thousands of people who will come over the fair’s 17 days are safe on the grounds.
“We're back together again and we want to make it safe for those who are coming,” said Darla Givens, a spokesperson for the fair.
Fair staff have stepped up security since it was last held in 2019, taking a hiatus due to the pandemic. Officers and other security personnel are constantly monitoring the grounds, with more than 200 cameras strategically placed to capture the comings and goings of fairgoers, Givens said. Those cameras are being watched by the fair’s own police department.
Kids and teenagers under the age of 18 need to be accompanied by someone over 21 on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. Items also coming in need to go through security in a clear bag – which is new to this year's state fair.
“Stadiums and festivals across the country have switched to a clear bag policy, so we're following suit,” Givens said. “It actually helps the line go through faster, so we encourage you to get that clear bag so we can hold it up, see what’s in it and then move you on your way.”
Guillermo Huerra, of Citrus Heights, came to the fair with his family Saturday. He said he appreciated having an opportunity to celebrate his community in a safe way with his loved ones.
“We want to have fun. We want to have a great time, celebrating California,” he said. “We love the people and diverse values.”
In addition to the fair's own police department and its officers, medical staff are also on hand to help keep fairgoers safe, especially in the weekend’s heat.