NY State Fair to implement new safety measures after prior shooting scare
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The Great New York State Fair, beginning Aug. 26, will have new updated safety measures to keep attendees safe, syracuse.com reported, including an emergency alert system and additional vehicle policies.
In 2024, the state fair saw false gunshot reports, inspiring the update in protocol, syracuse.com reported. After interviewing 31 sources as part of its investigation, the New York State Police reported “no evidence” of a shooting after reviewing surveillance videos, reports and witness statements, according to a NYS police update.
Many Syracuse students were present during the incident, reporting emotional distress, despite it being a false report.
With the new policies, some events, such as barrel racing and horse pulling, will also be skipped due to the vehicle restrictions, according to the NYS Fair’s website.
The Daily Orange broke down the fair’s new policies.
Vehicle Policies
Starting on Wednesday, vehicles are not allowed inside the “exterior perimeter of the fairgrounds” from 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 p.m. while the fair operates, according to the NYS Fair’s website. Additionally, deliveries are only allowed to be conducted from 11:30 p.m. and 8:30 a.m, marking a 30-minute change from the previous fair’s restriction time.
Shuttles provided by The Oswego County Department of Mobility Management will also run three different routes from the City of Oswego, City of Fulton and Villages of Central Square & Phoenix.
Fairgrounds Alert System
To increase security measures, the NYS Fair also introduced a new alert system for visitors. The Fairgrounds Alert System follows an “opt-in text” structure, allowing attendees to receive text alerts if dangerous weather or security concerns arise. To subscribe to the system, attendees can text “NYSF” to the number 888777.
Skipped Events
Barrel racing and horse pulling, typical events for the NYS Fair, will be left off of this year’s schedule. The decision resulted from difficulties transporting the horses at night.
The NYS Fair will run from August 26 to September 7, from 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. daily. time.
