Olmsted County Fair takes new security measures this year

(ABC 6 News) – The Olmsted County Fair started Monday, and this year there are some new security measures in place after issues in 2021.

Olmsted County Fair President, Scott Schneider said last year there were numerous fights at the fair, which resulted in the fair getting shut down early one night, and a curfew being put in place for the remainder.

Schneider said he believes this year there will be more resources to help sort out any issues that occur before it leads to violence.

“Last year the sheriff deputies did the best that they could, but this year we reached out to see how we can include the youth so they can feel like they are a part of the fair instead of wanting to destroy it. And, hopefully, this will prevent them from wanting to come here and be a distraction,” said Schneider.

He says that the fair has always been a fun family place,, which is why he’s excited to work with school resource officers to help build better relationships with kids and teens that attend.

“The S.E.R.T. Team will be here and RPD will be here. Also, the school resource officers will be here. People that know the kids and hopefully the relationship with the kids will help them to stop,” he added.

The fair runs through Sunday, July 31, with carnival rides starting Tuesday.