Fairgoers have mixed feelings about new curfew

OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR) — The Oklahoma State Fair has kicked off another year. As families poured in to enjoy opening day, the usual rides, games and food they enjoy every year were on full display.

However, you will see something new as you walk through the gates, signs showing the new curfew rule.

The goal is to make the fair a safer place following the shooting that happened last year.

The new curfew says anyone under the age of 18 will need to be accompanied by someone at least 21 years of age starting after 5 p.m.

News 4 spoke with fairgoers to get their thoughts and opinions about the new curfew.

"I think it's probably wise," Claire Vanhorn said.

"We're good with whatever keeps everyone safe," Austin Lacey said.

"Personally, I get the purpose, but I think it's dumb," Dillion Griggs said.

Rides, games, and food is what everyone looks forward to when coming to the Oklahoma State Fair.

"I'm here for the pickle pizza, jug of root beer, and I really want something fried like Oreos here in a bit," Vanhorn said.

"Now it's kind of a tradition to take the kids, and we're here to see Disney on Ice," Austin said.

For the first time, starting at 5 p.m., there is a curfew for those under 18. A decision made following a shooting at the state fair last year.

"Probably safest for everyone, keeps them safe, keeps everyone all safe," Vanhorn said.

However, not everyone agrees with it.

"I guess it makes sense," Griggs said.

"It is what it is, can't do much about it," Kimberly Navarro said.

They believe other options would improve safety more than a curfew.

"They could up security better, you know, better metal detecting for sure," Griggs said.

"Just when we walked in, no one like, checked anything," Navarro said. "They didn't really care."

Other families say the opposite.

"I feel like they did a pretty good job checking us in," Sierra Lacey said. "Everyone went thoroughly through our diaper bags. We walked through the metal scanners. We felt very safe bringing our family to the fair This year."

One major concern is how will they enforce the curfew.

"I think it'll be hard to enforce," Vanhorn said. "I don't know who's going to be checking IDs."

At the end of the day, the fair hopes the new polices keep everyone safe and having fun.

"We had so much fun," Vanhorn said. "There's so much to do. I feel like there's something for everyone."

"We've been coming here since we were dating," Austin said. "We get a button every year since 2014. We have one in our house. So, now it's kind of a tradition to take the kids."

State fair organizers say a heavy police presence along with staff patrolling the areas will help enforce the curfew.