JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — UPDATE 9:00 p.m.: A spokesperson with the Jacksonville Fair told Action News Jax there were 3 arrests made inside the fairgrounds on Saturday night.
Additionally, there were a few isolated incidents. There were no reports from the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office or security that anyone had a gun.
“Safety is our number one priority,” The spokesperson said. “We have an adequate police presence to ensure the safety of everyone on the fairgrounds, just like we do every day of the fair.”
ORIGINAL STORY:
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There was near-capacity attendance at the Jacksonville Fair on Saturday and several fights broke out between attendees, officials say.
Fair officials told Action News Jax they heard of several arrests but said most of them were outside the gates. When asked if any arrests were made inside the fairgrounds, a spokesperson said, “we think so, but we can’t confirm.”
Though there were extremely large crowds and a lot of people, a spokesperson said the following before they closed:
“The turnout for the fair has been exceptional, and we were near capacity. The fairgrounds are still in operation, and people are enjoying the fair. There have been a few isolated altercations between attendees, but those have been quickly resolved by Jacksonville Sheriff’s officers.”
Action News Jax went to the main gate and saw a very large police presence. Fair officials worked to shut down the fair rides by section, and JSO’s helicopter was circling the area by the time the fair was officially closed at 11 p.m.
Several fairgoers told Action News Jax they saw at least three to four fights.
The fair is in its final weekend and wraps up Sunday night.
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