The State Fair of Texas opens September 27, but local, state and federal agencies have been working since January on a safety plan. Last year, a man fired a gun in the food court. He was charged with three counts of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon.
"We, unfortunately, may never know how he got the gun inside the State Fair of Texas," says the fair's Karissa Condoianis.
Condoianis says the State Fair of Texas is taking measures "to ensure we are doing everything in our power to make it not happen again."
This year, the State Fair of Texas will limit the size of bags:
- Bags and soft-shell coolers that are 9 inches x 10 inches x 12 inches (9” x 10” x 12”) or smaller are allowed.
- Medical bags and parenting/childcare bags are allowed.
- These medical and parenting/childcare bags do not have to be 9” x 10” x 12” or smaller but will be searched at all entry gates.
- Medical bags containing medically necessary items, including but not limited to insulin, medication, portable oxygen, small soft pack coolers, and breast pumps.
- Soft-Shell Coolers that are 9 inches x 10 inches x 12 inches or smaller are allowed.
- Coolers must use ice packs or clear bagged ice. Loose ice is no longer allowed, to aid in more efficient search of coolers by security.
- All permitted bags are subject to search.
- There are no lockers or bag checks at the State Fair. Guests with a prohibited bag or item must return it to their vehicle or discard it properly. Prohibited items can NOT be held by security, staff, or volunteers.
The State Fair of Texas has also enhanced its weapons policy. Guns, knives, clubs, explosives and other weapons are not allowed. The guest "Code of Conduct" will also be posted at each entrance.
"For us to continue offering a safe event for all, we feel this is an important measure to implement," says Director of Security Jeff Cotner. "Other Texas events like the Houston Stock Show and Rodeo, San Antonio Rodeo and Rodeo Austin follow similar weapons prohibition policies as well."
People going through the gates pass through a weapons detection system. This year, entries are being redesigned to ensure everyone passes through the gate.
A State Fair Safety Team was launched several years ago, which includes retired officers who work with the Dallas Police Department to answer fairgoers' questions and serve as ambassadors.
This year, the State Fair of Texas will run a command center which will operate 24/7. Condoianis says the command center will serve as a hub for different agencies to communicate and track potential problems.
"The officers and other safety officials who work the event have a collective passion for the State Fair and are always helpful and accommodating to our guests," she says. "They really do an incredible job for us, and we are extremely grateful."
Condoianis says the State Fair of Texas works with Dallas Police, DART Police, Dallas ISD Police and Homeland Security. She says policy changes and entry layouts followed discussions with other agencies and events.
"The fair and event industry throughout the nation and worldwide, we are all very tight knit," she says. "We meet regularly to talk about any challenges, wins we are having and to share best practices and communicate."
Returning this year are a mass notification system to warn people about severe weather or other problems and a policy requiring anyone 17 or younger to be accompanied by a parent or chaperone when entering the fair after 5 p.m.
Condoianis says the State Fair of Texas spent $6.7 million on security last year and has a bigger budget this year.
"The State Fair adopts the most up-to-date recommended security practices for special events of our size and constantly evaluates additional measures to increase our effectiveness," she says.
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