Police keep security tight at the Big Fresno Fair to keep crowds safe

FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- It's the first weekend for the Big Fresno Fair and police are putting more officers out to keep everyone safe. Close to 70,000 people are expected to enter the fairgrounds this weekend.

The fair is possibly every kid and some adult's dream - from fun rides to good food, it has just about everything needed to have a good time. But unlike the week, weekends have double the number of fairgoers wanting to relish in the joy. So, as you can imagine with the larger crowd, the police presence inside the fair is beefed up.

"We have a number of police officers on the ground. We have security officers," Sgt. Sgt Dave Gibeault with the Fresno Police Department said. "You can them see wandering and police officers watching the gate."

Gibeault heads the fair's security. He said this year, they're doing something new. Every officer on the ground is wearing a body cam. They're hoping it will deter anyone from doing anything bad, like a fight that broke out last year near a carnival ride.

"It's a psychological advantage for us because, obviously, people that do bad things, don't want to be caught," he explained.

And the efforts to keep everyone safe are being noticed by folks navigating through the packed crowd with their families.

"Oh yeah, about two dozen so far and we're 40 feet from the main entrance," said Matt Giust while attending the fair. "So, yeah tons of cops."