New safety precautions at the Boone County Fair receive positive feedback from vendors, attendees

COLUMBIA, Mo (KMIZ)

Following an altercation Wednesday night, the Boone County Fair implemented new safety precautions.

Secretary of the Boone County Fair Board Jesica Kempf expressed confidence in the effectiveness of the measures.

"It's been amazing," Kempf said. "The feedback from the crowds has been very thankful and appreciative. Everyone is willing to wait a couple of minutes in line to feel safe at the fair."

Vendor Alana Tia, owner of the bakery Sugar Butter and Flour, has been a long-time participant at the Boone County Fair. Despite initial frustration over the necessity for increased safety measures, she acknowledged their benefits.

"I think it's sad that we have to have the precautions because it was a very big, open, friendly atmosphere," Tia said. "Something unfortunate happened, and the way it happened was really sad... little children could have gotten hurt. So, I understand having them."

Columbia local Dawn Masek, who has attended the fair for over 20 years, also agreed on the necessity of the new safety measures, especially in light of the recent attempted assassination against former president Donald Trump.

"Yeah, there's a lot more safety," Masek said. "After the assassination attempt, it's something we need to do and I think it's a great idea."

The Boone County fair board plans to maintain these safety precautions in future years and are considering the addition of more measures.

According to the Columbia Police Department, there have been no further incidents at the fair since the new precautions were implemented.