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More security to be added to Jacksonville Fair as it returns to the bold city

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Today marks the first day of the Jacksonville Fair, but along with the fun for all ages comes safety concerns from previous incidents.

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Event organizers tell Action News Jax that as the weekend approaches, you can expect to see more JSO officers, and even private security, to help manage the crowds.

Bill Olson, the president and CEO of the fair, says they are already taking precautions to ensure the safety of everyone that attends.

“We’re doing bag checks and having metal detectors at security checkpoints,” says Olson.

Related Story: Greater Jacksonville Agricultural Fair open for 2022 season

During last year’s fair, Action News Jax told you about several fights that broke out, leading to three arrests.

In 2018, a shooting happened not far from the fair.

We asked Olson what they’re doing differently this year to ensure the fun isn’t interrupted.

“We made some adjustments to the perimeter. We upped our security numbers on the weekends with our busier nights. We upped that more than we have in the past just to be extra safe,” says Olson.

We spoke with several fairgoers who say they feel safe.

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“Security had a very big presence, along with JSO,” says Shay and Denise Johnson.

Olson says that last year over 200,000 people were in attendance. This year, they’re hoping to reach that same number or better.

“We’re hoping for a couple of 100,000. That’s the goal, weather depending. If we have weather like this, we should be perfect,” says Olson.

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The Jacksonville Fair will be here in the bold city until Nov. 13.

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