Security measures in place as the Boone County Fair kicks off

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

The Columbia Police Department, Columbia Fire Department, and Boone County Office of Emergency Management will work together to ensure security policies are in place ahead of the first day of the Boone County Fair.

The Boone County Fair begins Tuesday at 5 p.m. and runs daily until 10 p.m., ending July 25, located at 5212 Okland Gravel Rd. in Columbia. Fairgoers must be aware of the security policies in place to ensure safety.

Boone County Fair manager, Jessie Kempf said they plan to utilize the same safety measures as last year because that system worked well for the fair.

“Everything is pretty much the same as we had last year. Our safety protocols are very standard," Kempf said. “We didn't have many incidents last year, so we just rolled with the same plan.”

No backpacks or large bags will be allowed into the fairgrounds. Only the following bags will be permitted:

• Bags that are clear plastic, vinyl or PVC and do not exceed 12 inches x 6 inches x 12 inches.
• Guests may use a one-gallon clear plastic freezer bag.
• Small clutch bags cannot be larger than 4.5 inches x 6.5 inches with or without a handle or strap.
• All alcohol, illegal drugs or paraphernalia will be confiscated.
• Loitering in the parking lot will not be permitted and loiterers will be asked to leave the premises.
• No reentry will be allowed into the fairgrounds.
• Weapons, facemasks, and face coverings are strictly prohibited.

The weapons detection system used by Columbia Public Schools will be at the entrances of the fairgrounds.

The procedure for entering the fair with the weapons detection device is simple and non-invasive, according to Kempf.

“You'll pay, walk a few feet, walk through the weapons detection. It's non-intrusive," Kempf said. "And then if there is a further search that's needed, then you can do that.”

In the event of an emergency, there are prepared procedures for multiple different hazards such as:

• Active shooter/gun shots
• Bomb threats
• Fire/explosion
• Tornadoes
• Lost person
• Trespassing

Kempf said most of these procedures have not happened, but in place to prepare all staff in the event one of them does.

"We have not had any issues with that," Kempf said. "But they're there in place. If we ever would need something like that. Boone County Emergency Management does a great job to make sure that we're all safe," Kempf said.

The Columbia Police Department will be patrolling throughout the fairgrounds, while The Columbia Fire Department will be on-site to provide fire protection and emergency medical services. The Boone County Office of Emergency Management will handle all incidents and act as the proper authority when Fair personnel are not available or if an incident is escalated.

Portable camera trailers will be placed throughout the fairgrounds, including drones that will be used for aerial surveillance. Overnight security will be placed at livestock barns for the safety and security of youth exhibitors and their animals, according to the Boone County Fair Safety Plan. There will also be a central command on the grounds with emergency personnel at all times.

ABC 17 spoke with personnel of the City of Columbia who were inspecting the fair rides and other activities to ensure they were up to safety codes.

The safety inception report was requested by ABC 17, but it has not been provided.

Kempf said, at the time, she had not received word about the inspection but had not faced problems ride inspection before.

“We haven't run into any issues in the past, so we kind of get everything tied up and buttoned up before they leave," Kempf said.