Columbia County fair reopens for weekend - but with new rules
GROVETOWN, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) - The Columbia County Spring Fair is back in town, but this time with some policy changes amid disruptions last week.
County leaders announced that on Friday and Saturday at 6 p.m., all guests 17 and under must be accompanied by a parent.
“Due to the number of unattended youths last Saturday that seemed intent on disrupting the fair, we feel these changes are necessary to continue to provide a family-friendly atmosphere and safe environment for all,” a spokesperson for the Merchants Association of Columbia County said in a press release.
On Tuesday, the Columbia County Sheriff’s Office posted to Facebook, asking the public for information about a fight that happened at the fair last Saturday.
According to officials, while deputies were working special duty at the fair, there were reports of several large fights in different areas of the fairgrounds.
Deputies say they responded to all reports, but the subjects left before deputies could arrive.
Due to the fights, the fair closed early at 9:30 p.m., according to deputies and fair organizers.
Starting Friday, one parent will be allowed to bring a maximum of 4 children. Purchase of ission and ride tickets will be required at the gate to allow entry to guests ages 11-17.
IDs for youths 18 and above will be required to enter the fair.
But even though some parents are concerned, it’s not stopping people from coming out, and fair officials tell us they are doing everything they can to make sure the fair is safe.
" I think some people might be complaining about the cost and not being able to go there with the kids, but I think it’s important for them to supervise their kids. They need to be supervised, so I think that’s a good thing, and I hope they strictly enforce it,” said P.J. Campanaro, parent.
“It helps the safety and control, and we just wanna come here and have fun. This has been a tradition for 14 years I’ve been in this city. And, I bring my family, so these days you’re scared, and you never know what’s gonna happen. It’s better that we have some safety,” said Nohelia Arevalo, parent.
They are increasing security, we saw many deputies walk through the gates as we did.
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“We have a reputation and a history of having a safe, clean fair, and we wanna keep it that way. Unfortunately, we’re gonna have to increase our diligence and applying and enforcing our rules. We are a private property; we do reserve the right to change or update our rules as we deem necessary, said Carol Gardner, president, Merchants Association of Columbia County.
Even though the fair is fun, they are taking what happened this spring seriously by having a clear bag policy in the fall.
Gates open at 5 p.m. during the week, noon on Saturday and 1 p.m. on Sunday.
There are games, rides, food and fun for the kids.
We heard from a fairgoer about how it brings everyone together.
“It brings everyone together,” Byron Bost says. “Black, white, whatever region, you can come to the fair and enjoy everything and just enjoy the spirit of the community.”
The fair runs through April 27.
Gate ission is $10, and the proceeds benefit the Children’s Hospital of Georgia.
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