Organizers making sure everyone stays safe at the Big Fresno Fair

FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- As tens of thousands of people head to the Big Fresno Fair-- organizers are making sure everyone who visits feels safe.

The drumbeat of the Fresno Fair is kicking up as thousands head to the grounds for the opening day of the annual event. As they are enjoying fried food and other festivities officials are hoping attendees also feel safe while they're having fun.

"Security is always a top priority for us we want everyone to come out to the fair and have a safe wonderful time while they're here," said Stacy Rianda, Deputy Manager of the Big Fresno Fair.

At the entrance gates, private security guards check people with metal detectors. If you have a concealed carry weapons permit you're not allowed to bring a gun onto the fairgrounds.

"No chains, anything that can be used as a weapon is not allowed onto the grounds," said Rianda.

At any one time, the Big Fresno Fair said there could be anywhere from 40 to 80 officers on the grounds. Officials said officers aren't just here on the grounds patrolling around, they are also in the surrounding area.

"We start on the outside, we have patrols on the outside looking around the fairgrounds and they're focused on crimes of opportunity and keeping people out that are going to ruin this fair experience," said Sgt. Dave Gibeault, Fresno PD.

Attendees said the security and extra patrols are giving them peace of mind.

"A lot of security and they check when you come in to make sure you don't have any weapons or nothing on you. So I feel safe," said Summer Brown, Fresno.

Not every officer on the grounds will be in uniform. There are officers with probation, parole, and with other agencies who are undercover keeping an extra eye on any possible crimes.