Boone County Fair implements new security measures after ‘incident with youth’

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

The Boone County Fair announced in a Thursday press release and social media post that it would implement new security measures for the rest of the week.

The fair began on Tuesday and will be open 5-10 p.m. through Saturday at Northeast Regional Park, 5212 Oakland Gravel Road.

The release says that increased security measures will start Thursday at the entrance gate and throughout the fairgrounds.

In a reply to a comment on its Facebook page asking what prompted the change, the fair wrote “There was an incident with youth last night and we are taking extra precautions to ensure our fair remains a safe place for families.”

"Due to increased attendees, and we had an incident last night between some youth in the carnival area," Boone County Fair Secretary Jessica Kempf said. "We worked with CPD to really deescalate that situation very quickly, but we don't want any of that to happen again. We want a family friendly event and so we're just implementing these measures for a precautionary (measure)."

Two vendors were able to describe what they saw during and after the "scuffle."

"It was actually right here in front of the tent. It was handled very well by the Columbia PD. It didn't escalate too badly," Daniel Aubuchon, of Bass Pro Shop, said.

"I saw a little bit of it. It looked like there was a younger gentleman running down the streets, and the police did detain him for a bit. But then I saw them all leave peacefully," MacKenzie Blakeman, owner of MacKenzie's Blakery, said.

ABC 17 News reached out to the Columbia Police Department, but it was unable to provide additional information.

According to the release, the new measures include:

• No backpacks or large bags will be allowed entry. 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.
• Screenings before entry, including metal detectors and bag checks, may be conducted. All guests are subject to search. If prohibited items are revealed during screenings, guests will be permitted to dispose of the item or return it to their vehicle.
• All alcohol, illegal drugs or paraphernalia will be confiscated, guests will be denied entry and the Columbia Police Department will be notified.
• 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.
• Columbia Police Department will have increased presence throughout the fairgrounds during fair hours.

New signs at the entrance now read: "No Backpacks, No Re-entry, No Facemasks, No Weapons, and All bags will be subjected to search."

Organizers anticipate these security measures will be implemented annually from now on.

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