3 days ago
Trouble-makers force local fair to shut down early
SUMMIT COUNTY, Ohio (WJW) — A series of trouble-making incidents disrupted the Summit County Fair on Friday, causing officials to shut down festivities earlier than scheduled.
According to a press release, at 9:55 p.m. on Friday, July 26, fair officials requested that all animal barns be closed to the public five minutes earlier than the usual 10 p.m. closing time after two teenagers were seen throwing items at a barn door.
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'Shortly after, a group of individuals ran through the northeast corner of the fairgrounds, spreading false claims that someone was about to start shooting. We want to clearly state that there was no evidence or credible threat involving a firearm or any planned act of violence,' stated the release.
Then, at about 10:30 p.m., officials said, a separate incident occurred on the Midway where a juvenile male was arrested for using a taser.
Officials described the event as a 'physical altercation allegedly prompted by a video challenge.'
As a result, fair directors chose to close the fair at 10:40 p.m., 20 minutes earlier than scheduled to prevent any further disturbances.
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'We regret that a small number of agitators disrupted what is meant to be a safe and enjoyable family event,' read the release. 'We sincerely thank the Summit County Sheriff's Department and the Tallmadge Police Department for their swift and professional response. Again, we reaffirm that there was never any credible threat of a shooting, weapon, or other danger to fairgoers.'
According to the fair's website, the fair runs through Sunday, July 27.
Officials announced that to help ensure continued safety, a restriction on bag types will be enforced for the remainder of the fair.
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