Cole County fair preparations underway; kicks off Monday

The Jefferson City Jaycees Cole County Fair kicks off Monday night in the Capital City.

Local authorities assure the public they will be out making sure fair goers are safe and secure.

Law enforcement will have their presence on the grounds, including cameras around the area. Sheriff John Wheeler told ABC 17 News events like the fair are good for local law enforcement and emergency responders to work together.

“It’s getting everybody involved to take as much chaos out of the situation before it happens,” Wheeler said.

Backpacks, water bottles, alcohol, weapons, including those with permits are not allowed. Wheeler said law enforcement will usually get people wanting to take in their concealed carry permits weapons inside, but because it’s on private property, it’s not allowed.

The weather is going to be unseasonably cool but it’s temperatures like this that can be the most dangerous.

“It’s more dangerous now than it would be if it were 110 out,” Wheeler said. “Because if it were 110 people would force themselves to drink when its cooler out they don’t feel like they need to drink as much water.”

Wheeler said one of law enforcement’s biggest problem is fair goers drinking too much causing problems. He said over the years the department has seen the number of arrests go down.

The fair door opens Monday at 5 p.m. and remains open till Saturday.