Fair officials encourage security measures at SEMO district fair

CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo. (KBSI) – With thousands of people expected to walk through the fairgrounds of the SEMO district fair this week, local law enforcement says they’re working to make sure that families have a fun and safe time.

Bobby Newton is the Cape Public Information Officer, he says they encourage citizens to leave all weapons including large knives and guns locked inside their vehicles as they are permitted to be on fairgrounds. Metal detectors are at every entrance, and a clear bag policy is in place.

 “We’ve got several officers on the fairgrounds here that will be working every night” says Newton. “They’ve got a great security team within the fair itself, that will be patrolling, helping people out, whatever they may need.  “We do have the magnetometers set up for weapon detection. So, we advise everybody just leave your firearms at home. Lock it up in your vehicle, but don’t bring it to the fairgrounds because,  they’re not going to allow you in if you have a firearm.”

Newton shares that there is a designated tent available for those in need of help with first responders on site and officers on patrol around the fairgrounds for emergency situations. 

“Its just important because this is a family fun event, and we want people to come out and enjoy this event. We want them to come out and bring their kids, bring the family, and just have a good time without the fear of having to worry about, you know, if there’s weapons inside, who’s got those weapons and those sorts of things” says Newton.