‘It is so disturbing’: Chesterfield County Fair officials speak out following Saturday’s mayhem

CHESTERFIELD COUNTY, Va. (WRIC) — 8News has obtained a statement from the Chesterfield County Fair Association following four arrests on Saturday at the fair.

Two teens and two adults were arrested as multiple fights broke out Saturday evening after gates closed as scheduled at 9 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 24.

The alternations prompting officers to use pepper spray to try to break up the fights that ensued.

The following charges for those arrested are listed:

• 15-year-old boy charged with simple assault
• 14-year-old boy charged with assault on law enforcement
• 18-year-old Klaron Dupree-Faulkner, of Richmond, was charged with:
  • Underage possession of marijuana
  • Possession of a firearm on school property
  • Disorderly conduct
  • Obstruction of justice
  • Trespassing
• 31-year-old Eric Edwards, Jr., of Henrico County, was charged with:
  • Attempted brandishing within 1,000 feet of a school
  • Carrying concealed firearm

On behalf of the Chesterfield County Fair Association, we would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who came out last Saturday evening to enjoy themselves at the fair. We especially would like to thank all of the Chesterfield County Law Enforcement who were instrumental in gaining control of a potentially harmful situation.

It is so disturbing and unfortunate that there are those who for whatever reason – choose to be disruptors at a safe, secure, fun, family event. We work year-round doing our utmost to make the fair “the” place to visit – and IT IS. We do pride ourselves on being that safe, secure, fun, family event. Along with the county, we have spent the last year implementing new security measures; but, again, there are those who will choose to disrupt that fun. We are truly sorry for this. New and additional measures are now in place going forward that we hope will detour any individual or group from ruining anyone’s time at the fair.

Do we feel it is safe at the fair? YES. As in at event, everyone should be diligent about their surroundings. If you feel that something is off kilter, then yes – DO report it to the fair or to one of our many law enforcement officers on the grounds. Parents – we also encourage you to keep your young children close at hand so that they don’t wander off. It’s very easy for a young child to see all the fun things around them and decide that “they” want to go see what that bring, shiny light is!

It is impossible to comprehend just “why” those who choose to disrupt an event want to do so. We at the fair literally just don’t get that. We provide such an annual, fun event – why not come to the fairgrounds to actually enjoy everything?

We have metal detectors and bag checks at every ticket entry. If there’s a long line, please understand that this is for everyone’s safety. That is our number 1 goal. You can check our website, www.chesterfieldcountyfair.org for any/all updates.

On behalf of the Chesterfield County Fair Association,

Brenda White Vaughn
General Manager, Chesterfield County Fair Association

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