Metal detectors and television surveillance may be in the future for the State Fair.
This year's fair was going great "until that brat came in and shot somebody," Jackie Nokes, Division of Expositions director said Monday.A shooting during the first weekend was blamed for the large drop in attendance during the fair's 11-day run. Two 16-year-olds were arrested. One has been convicted of attempted criminal homicide and is undergoing psychiatric evaluation before sentencing.
Nokes predicts the shooting will dictate changes for the fair. Metal detectors may be installed at the gates, and a television surveillance system may scan walls and fences around the perimeter.
The proposals will be discussed when the nine-member fair board meets Dec. 14.
John Sorenson of Clinton, a board member for seven years, said the fair has to be safe. "We have a family-oriented fair. We want to keep it that way."