The Summit County Fair ended prematurely on Friday night after a series of disturbances, including the arrest of a juvenile for wielding a taser, as officials took action to maintain safety. The first incident involved teens throwing objects at a bar door, leading to the early closure of animal barns, and the second occurrence involved a false alarm about a potential shooting, an assertion that was later confirmed not to pose any actual threat to attendees.
According to a statement obtained by FOX8, around 10:30 p.m., a fight broke out on the midway instigated by what was described as a "video challenge" this fight led to the arrest of a young person for using a taser, compounding the chaos of the evening, the Summit County Fair board, emphasizing their commitment to safety and order, made the decision to close the fair twenty minutes ahead of schedule.
The Summit County Fair Board, as detailed in their news release, expressed regret for the disruptions caused by "a small number of agitators" in what they describe as otherwise a "safe and enjoyable family event". They promptly thanked the Summit County Sheriff's Department and the Tallmadge Police Department for their "swift and professional response" to the situations that unfolded, according to Cleveland 19 News.
In response to the discord, new safety measures were announced, including a restriction on bag types, which will be enforced for the remaining duration of the fair, which, as detailed on the fair's official website, concludes on Sunday, July 27, moves aimed at preventing any further issues and securing the well-being of all present, according to an account by News 5 Cleveland.
