RAPID CITY, S.D. –  This year at the Central States Fair an ongoing partnership has brought more lights, cameras and communications to ensure safety and security during the annual event.

On Thursday, representatives from the city, police, sheriff and Black Hills Energy met at the Fairgrounds to highlight the partnerships that have enhanced safety at the Fair through better communications and rapid response capability, strategically placed lighting in parking areas, more patrols, and more camera capability.

“We want to provide the best, safest environment we can for fairgoers,” Lt. Darren Soucy, Rapid City Police Department said. “This should be a fun, family event and not stressful at all and that’s certainly what we hope for.”

Black Hills Energy and the city’s Public Works Department played a role in installing extra lighting for parking areas and other areas for the multi-day event.

“Community safety is one of the things we take seriously,” Michael Pogany, General Manager, Black Hills Energy said. “So, when the call came in and asked for help, we were definitely here for support.”

The fairgrounds themselves fall under the jurisdiction of the Pennington County Sheriff’s Office, the outside areas like the parking lots, fall under the jurisdiction of the Rapid City Police Department, meaning working closely together is imperative.

“We’ve grown towards this,” Capt. Casey Kenrick, Pennington County Sheriff’s Office, said. “We’ve kind of built it up where we’ve recognized we’ve had some issues. Anytime you bring this many people together in one place you’re going to have some issues.”

Be safe at the Fair

Over the course of the week, the Fair draws upwards of 100,000 people. The Fair has a code of conduct that addresses disorderly conduct, alcohol on the grounds, appropriate attire, and a handful of other things.

In addition to those, Kenrick said kids shouldn’t be left at the Fair unsupervised, attendees should be mindful of how much alcohol they’ve consumed and plan for a ride if necessary, and, have a picture of your child – and what he or she is wearing that day – in case you get separated in the crowd.

Should you need law enforcement assistance during the event, Pennington County Sheriff’s deputies will be wearing easily-seen yellow shirts on the Fairgrounds and law enforcement’s Mobile Command Center will be parked near the grandstands.

The Central State’s Fair officially starts Friday at 3 p.m. with a ribbon cutting. The Fair runs through Aug. 29.

Not yet staged for the Fair, several lights will be placed in parking areas around the Fairgrounds before the first day of the event Friday.