Safe, successful first night at Wisconsin State Fair
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Steve Chamraz reports Video by 620wtmj.com
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WEST ALLIS- The beginning of Wisconsin's State Fair was meet with new security measures after a violent start last year.
State Fair management knew they had to get off on the right foot this year and as night one of the fair ends, TODAY'S TMJ4's Steve Chamraz reports their efforts seem visible and effective.
If anyone was worried about a repeat of the midway mob, it wasn't Ashley Weatherspoon and her little boy.
"I've been making it a point to bring myself and my children every year. It's a family thing," said Weatherspoon to TODAY'S TMJ4.
The fairgoers were oblivious to the layers of extra security. Additional cops and surveillance cameras are everywhere, though.
A response to the injuries and arrests after the first day of last year's fair.
"I'm not worried in the slightest. I'm pretty tough myself," said Weatherspoon.
State Fair organizers made the changes to ensure this remains a family-friendly event.
Key word -- family, as everyone under 18 must be with a parent or guardian after 5 p.m.
Dave Castro says he would not be here with his three daughters if he was not convinced the fair was a safe place.
"There's no fights going on, everybody is watching what they're doing. There's enough police officers patrolling everything. I think it looks pretty good," said Castro.
More than 900,000 people attended the fair last year. And the bosses say all the extra security is in place to make sure a couple dozen troublemakers do not ruin it for the overwhelming majority who behave.
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