Washington State Fair adds metal detectors, beefs up security

Waiting to get into the Washington State Fair in Puyallup this year might feel like waiting to go through airport security. For the first time in 119 years, the fair has installed metal detectors and staff will check bags, according to The News Tribune.

Puyallup police will also have a larger presence, the Tribune reports. Some officers will patrol and direct traffic outside the fairgrounds, while 70 officers will be inside the gates.

“We want them to have a good time, but safety is the number one priority,” Stacy Van Horne, a spokesperson for the Washington State Fair told the Tribune. “It’s adding a layer that helps our guests feel safer.”

The Puyallup Police Department conducted an active shooter training on the fairgrounds last week, the Tribune reports.

The fair kicks off Aug. 30 and runs for 20 days, where there are about 75 rides, 100 food vendors, and 500 shows.

The following items are not allowed on fairgrounds:

Weapons of any kind, including knives and all firearms
Alcoholic beverages, marijuana and illegal drugs
Open/unsealed beverage containers
Bicycles, skates, roller blades and skateboards
Animals (except service or show animals)
Any item that is deemed by the Safety Inspection Staff and/or Fair management to be dangerous