Patrons on the first night of the 63rd annual Greater Jacksonville Agricultural Fair noticed added security in the wake of multiple incidents that have happened at the fair and in the area around it.
Wednesday, a parent who only wanted to go by "Andrea," brought her children to the fair, but left by the time it got dark.
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“That’s why I got here early,” Andrea said. “So like now it’s dark. We can go home.”
“What exactly are you worried about with it getting dark?” Action News Jax Reporter Russell Colburn asked. “Violence,” she said.
Action News Jax previously showed you video of one of several reported fights here last year
STORY: Fights at Jacksonville fair prompt safety concerns
Two people were shot on Union Street walking to the fair in 2017.
STORY: JSO: Two children shot near the Jacksonville Fair
Just last Saturday, JSO said a woman shot at someone in a parking garage near the fair before turning the gun on herself.
A week prior, six people were shot about a half-mile away.
“We’ve done things that we feel confident about, that we’ve done things to make you feel safe, that helps our customer have a better experience,” said Gayle Hart, a representative with the fair.
Wednesday, the fair had extra security on the ground, and people had to walk through metal detectors and get screened before they could come in.
Local mom Bridget Harrison is thankful. “I see the police officers everywhere, so…”
“You feel good,” Colburn said. “Yeah,” Harrison said.
The fair opens back up at 5 p.m. Thursday and runs through Nov. 11.
As the fair kicks into gear on its first night, @ActionNewsJax is breaking down the steps being taken to keep you and your family safe. We’re live at 11 on CBS47 & FOX30. @WOKVNews pic.twitter.com/Q6U2Dqj8KS
— Russell Colburn (@RussellANjax) November 1, 2018
Cox Media Group
