Organizers prioritize security and safety ahead of Cole County Fair opening
JEFFERSON CITY Mo. KMIZ
The Cole County Fair organizers say they are not taking any chances when it comes to safety this year ahead of the gates opening to the public Monday.
The fair will begin tomorrow at 5 p.m. and will run through August 1st.
Hundreds of people are expected to attend this year. Fair Chairman Devin Harris said the fair will have something for everyone.
"We have got six nights of entertainment, six nights of bands, along with arena and carnival events every night," he said.
When it comes to safety, Harris said that everyone will go through a security screening before entering, where all items will be checked.
“Well, we have a very specific bag policy that we put in place. Clear plastic, clear bags, no knives, no guns. We don't allow any of those things out here," Harris said.
Some other items not allowed inside include lawn chairs, coolers, picnic baskets, and umbrellas.
According to the fair's policy, approved bags can be no larger than 12 by 6 inches. Clutch purses and gallon zip-lock bags are also allowed inside.
With high temperatures in the forecast, Harris also urged attendees to take precautions.
“I mean, we would just caution everybody to stay hydrated, but we do have paramedics and EMS on site so we can take care of just about anything that you can throw at us,” Harris said.
Harris said that inspections for all carnival rides have begun and will be fully complete before the opening of the carnival.
Organizers have also been working in coordination with local emergency offcials for months to ensure that the fair runs smoothly.
“We have an excellent relationship with everyone that works with the fire department, the EMS, the sheriff's department. It's a big community joint venture that we do together.”
