Sheriff PIO: Be Aware at the Fair

While PIO Maj. John Garrison warned Coastal Carolina Fair patrons to maintain vigilance, fair spokesman Joe Bolchoz said safety at the fair is higher than most neighborhoods — whether that's from tripping hazards or from hooligans. 

In a short statement on keeping safe at the fair, Garrison wrote:

"People need to be aware of their surroundings and take basic safety precautions. When you park, do not leave valuables where they can be seen and lock your vehicle. Please maintain control of small children. There are so many ways for small children to get injured or lost so parents need to realize that it is their responsibility to be the parent and control where their children go and how they behave. Do not drink and drive and be respectful of others coming and going to the fair. Have fun but be responsible."

The fair hires off-duty law enforcement officers to work during the 10-day event, according to Bolchoz. 

.

"Is the fair safe? The answer to that is yes, and I say that without reservation," Bolchoz said, adding that the fair volunteers work year-round to improve safety at the fair.

And they don't just focus on safety from criminals. Fair staff also has a third, independent ride inspector inspect the already state and fair-staff inspected rides. 

"We're constantly doing things," Bolchoz said. 

One of the biggest hazards at fairs is tripping and falling. And fair volunteers remain vigilant about potential tripping hazards, according to the spokesperson.
Trident Health employees will be available at the fair to help any person injured. There will also be a fire truck on the grounds.

"You can think of a fair as a small city," Bolchoz said. "We have to provide all the things you'd have in a small city."

As for criminal activity at the fair — highlighted by 2010 shooting — Bolchoz said that between the many security personnel and cameras, the suspect won't get far.

"When that happens those suspects are in custody within minutes, not hours," Bolchoz said. "We have more police people on our grounds per square foot than you'd find anywhere in the area." 

Still feeling uneasy? If anything happens at the fair you're uncomfortable with, Bolchoz urges you to track down a security person or fair volunteer and report it.

"We will investigate anything that makes you uneasy," Bolchoz said. "We will not ignore that."