Matt Weir / The Collegian
The Big Fresno Fair is notorious for large crowds, crammed venues and limited parking. More than half a million people visit the fair each year, keeping security on their toes for 12 days.
“Any day during the fair we have probably between 30 and 60 officers inside the fair and probably a hundred total throughout the day working inside and outside,” said Sgt. Dave Gibeault of the Fresno Police Department.
Gibeault has been working at the FPD for 22 years and monitoring the fairgrounds since he can remember, but this is his first year in charge of policing the whole fair.
“The goal is to have a safe and fun fair for everyone,” Gibeault said.
The Fresno Police Department isn’t the only agency keeping guests safe at the fair. Others include the Fresno County Department of Public Health, Fresno County Private Security, California Fair Services Authority, American Ambulance, State Fire Marshall’s Office and Fresno City Fire Department.
The livestock and race horses at the fair are also kept safe with on-site licensed veterinarians. The horse racing track veterinarian ensures each horse is injury free and healthy to race. The livestock veterinarian inspects the animals before arrival and continues to monitor them throughout the fair.
“The fair goes out of their way to make sure that you’re safe,” Gibeault said.
While guests are extremely safe at the fair, everyone can still practice simple safety tips. Gibeault said guests could start with being aware of their surroundings and staying alert.
There’s a lot of money being exchanged at the fairgrounds through gambling on the horse races, buying food, using the ATM and more. Gibeault said it’s important to report any suspicious activity you see.
“Keep your eye on your wallet and your purse,” Gibeault said.
The fair has a small division of the Fresno Police Department on-site to allow guests to come in and speak to an officer if they have a concern. It’s located next to the Brian I. Tatarian Grandstand, hidden behind the MADD display.
“As long as the fair is open, this office is open,” Gibeault said.
Officers are not only on foot, but also on motorcycles, bicycles and horses. This helps officers get to the scene faster and more efficiently if there’s a problem.
“By far the fights are few, the lost children are probably more significant,” Gibeault said. “That’s probably our more frequent response.”
Jenny Newquist works at the Found Child Center, the big gingerbread house located next to the West America Bank Gate on Chance Avenue.
“This was formulated so if a child is lost they are brought here,” Newquist said. “It’s a safe area for them to be in.”
Newquist said children could color, play games and watch movies until their parents come to find them. The Found Child Center has bunk beds, a bathroom, refrigerator, couch and tables to accommodate children of all ages.
Newquist said the Found Child Center was introduced to the Fresno Fair in 2007 as a dedication to the late Rick Fatland, known as the “voice of the fair.”
“At first it was just a box trailer and we had a few tables and chairs,” Newquist said. “It has evolved over the years and this is dedicated to him.”
In addition to the Found Child Center, parents have an option of putting an index card in their child’s pocket once they enter one of the gates. Parents are advised to write their cell phone number and their child’s name on the card for a quick return, if their child is to get lost.
Newquist said about 75 to 100 children are found on average in a 12-day run of the fair and one year they had 86 kids found in one day.
Gibeault said officers are circulating at all times so guests can enjoy an exciting and safe fair. The fair runs until this Sunday, Oct. 17.
“We keep officers moving and we don’t let them group up,” Gibeault said. “They work in pairs to make it safe for them, as well as for the patrons.”