New security measures: Metal detectors at all eight gates for first time in State Fair history
New security measures: Metal detectors at all eight gates for first time in State Fair history
New security measures: Metal detectors at all eight gates for first time in State Fair history
WEST ALLIS -- There will be big changes as it relates to security at the 2016 Wisconsin State Fair. For the first time in history, there will be metal detectors at all eight admission gates at Wisconsin State Fair Park.
Wisconsin State Fair
The Wisconsin State Fair will take place from August 4th through the 14th -- and more than a million people will ride the ferris wheel, visit the animals and fill up on food.
Wisconsin State Fair
"We go a lot -- take the grandkids. Our friends all go," Eunice Mishich said.
In addition to the metal detectors, there will also be 13 new security cameras added to State Fair Park for this year's fair, including two units that contain four cameras each, to provide 360-degree views. The two newest cameras will be located in the Central Park and Central Mall areas.
Security cameras at Wisconsin State Fair
"In addition to the 250 cameras, and our own police force and working closely with Milwaukee and West Allis, we will have metal detectors at all of our gates," Kathleen O'Leary, interim CEO of Wisconsin State Fair Park said.
O'Leary said these changes have been in the works for awhile, but tragedies like the mass shooting in Orlando on June 12th prompted a decision to install the metal detectors sooner rather than later.
Wisconsin State Fair
"There`s been so many unfortunate incidents, it makes everyone in the entertainment and sporting industry and everyone in everyday life a little unnerved," O'Leary said.
The initiative is a big undertaking, requiring countless hours of training for State Fair Park staff and thousands of dollars for the equipment.
It will also require patience from the public.
Kathleen O'Leary
"It may slow them down at peak times, but to be inconvenienced slightly by a slower line, but to be safer, certainly outweighs itself," O'Leary said.
"Like at an airport, you`d rather be safe than hurry on and have something happen," Mishich said.
Summerfest, which runs from June 29th through July 10th will also require guests to go through metal detectors.
Wisconsin State Fair
CLICK HERE to learn more about the 2016 Wisconsin State Fair, or to buy tickets.