At any given time during the 12-day event, an average of 80 Fresno police officers will be on patrol. A privately owned security team is also on site.
As for the rides, fair organizers tell Action News they're all monitored by two separate safety consultants. In addition, operators undergo background checks.
Laurie King, Deputy Manager, Big Fresno Fair said, "A lot of the people have been with their company for 35 years. They have a very good track record with employees. Really, I have to be honest, this is one of the safest places you can be for the 12 days of the fair."
The fair reopens Thursday, October 06, at 11:00 a.m.
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A soggy start to the Big Fresno Fair
By Tommy Tran
Steady rain from the storm saturated the Fresno Fairgrounds Wednesday morning. Dozens of crew members were working feverishly using brooms to push puddles away.
"We're in the clean-up mode right now. Trying to figure out what our next plan is for the next wave of the storm that's coming in. But things are rolling here at the Big Fresno Fair. We're opening at 2 o'clock. We will open rain or shine," said the Big Fresno Fair Deputy Manager Lauri King.
People attending the fair can expect a few of the carnival rides to be closed because of the wet weather, but officials say people can still enjoy about 60-percent of the rides on Wednesday. All of the ceremonies and exhibits will be open as well.
Finding a parking spot could be a challenge due to the wet conditions. The convenient infield lot located inside the horse race track will most likely be closed through the weekend due to flooding.
More than 20 local junior high and high school bands will have one more week to practice for the big band review here at the fair. The rain forced fair officials to push the competition back. ZZ-Top is also expected to take the stage tonight, rain or shine.
"His tour buses have rolled in. We'll still have our concert tonight 7 o'clock. Rain or shine ZZ will go on," said King.
Gates open at 2 p.m. with an opening ceremony indoors -- and then rides will start at 3 p.m.
