TALLMADGE, Ohio — The Summit County Fair is welcoming families back this week with rides, fair food, livestock shows and grandstand events, but visitors will also notice something new the moment they arrive: significantly increased security.
The changes come after a targeted shooting in a parking lot outside the fairgrounds during last year's fair. While the shooting happened outside the fair itself, local 4-H members remember two lockdowns inside the livestock barns, which left many of them feeling shaken.
This year, fair officials have added several new security measures to help visitors feel safe throughout the week.
Everyone entering the fairgrounds will pass through a security screening checkpoint, similar to those used at professional sporting events. The Summit County Sheriff's Office has also increased the number of deputies patrolling the fairgrounds and parking lots, especially overnight. In addition, new lighting has been installed throughout the parking areas.
"Just like you'd go into the ballpark in Cleveland or Akron, you're going to walk through a hoop and be screened," said Howard Call, programming manager for the Summit County Fair. "That keeps weapons off the fairgrounds. We're not trying to violate any Ohio laws or codes here, but we want people to come in here and be safe and feel safe."
While LeTessa Dawson and her husband, Damon, did have to wait in line, they told News 5 it didn’t take too long.
“This was the first time, but it was easy. It was smooth. I liked it. It makes me feel safe,” said LeTessa Dawson.
But even if it did, Damon said it’s worth it.
“The way these teenagers are nowadays is so different than it was back in the day when I was young coming here where it wasn’t any problems,” said Damon Dawson.
Sham Banna and her friend Layla Roland told News 5 they welcome the new changes.
“I feel like it’s better, so we feel more safe,” said Banna.
Roland agreed and said it gives her peace of mind.
“We love it. It makes us feel safer,” said Roland.
As a first-time vendor at the fair, Alison Ivey with Project L.E.A.D., an organization focused on combating opioid and other stimulant misuse, said the new security measures are comforting, especially as she and multiple organizations try to help the community.
"That’s why we’re making sure that people are safe, too, with Narcan kits. We want to keep everybody safe,” said Ivey.
For Summit Sizzlers 4-H members Kaydince Zentiska and Rilyn Holmquic, the added security provides peace of mind for themselves and their animals.
The girls spend the week at the fair caring for the animals they've worked with all year. Kaydince is showing two steers, pigs and a calf, while Rilyn is showing a calf.
Both remember the uncertainty they felt during last year's incident.
"I like seeing the security because I feel like we are more safe, and if someone comes in with anything, we know that our animals are safe and they're not going to get harmed by it," Holmquic said.
"I feel more comfortable being here, especially since we're staying here overnight," Zentiska said. "The shooting that took place last year was feet away from where we were all sleeping at night every single day."
Fair events continue throughout the week. The Demolition Derby is scheduled for Wednesday, July 29 and again on Sunday, Aug. 2. Drag racing takes place Thursday, July 30, while tractor pulls are planned for Friday, July 31 and Saturday, Aug. 1.
For more information on the fair's schedule and tickets, click here.
