Tippecanoe fair's first night marred by arguing, fights

LAFAYETTE, Ind. ― A few juveniles marred the first night of the Tippecanoe County 4-H Fair carnival on Saturday by arguing and fighting, and those who were caught are banned from the fairgrounds, according to Tippecanoe County sheriff's Capt. Rob Hainje.

Three fights at the fairgrounds are listed in sheriff's office bulletins, and most of them started as arguing between groups of teens. Deputies broke them up and tossed the participants out of the fair, Hainje said.

After the first incident, four or five juveniles were barred from the fair, but one of the boys returned. Deputies caught him behind Durgan Elementary School just north of the fairgrounds.

One incident involved 10 to 12 teens jumping a single teen in the parking lot. The teen suffered minor injuries, and his attackers ran away into nearby neighborhoods when deputies arrived, Hainje said.

"We have extra deputies working the event," Hainje said, noting the department increased its presence at the fair after several incidents about 10 years ago. "Our primary focus is on the midway/carnival area.

"It seems like the first evening of the fair, this happens," Hainje said. "Sunday was very uneventful."

Hainje encouraged people who want to have fun to come out to the fair. On the other hand, those looking to start trouble should go somewhere else.

"We just want everybody to come and have a good time," Hainje said. "We take a zero-tolerance stance toward fights and disturbances."

Those who cause trouble will receive a trespass order, which means if they return to the fairgrounds, they might be arrested.

Reach Ron Wilkins at rwilkins@jconline.com. Follow on Twitter: @RonWilkins2.