Kern County Fair to review security procedures in light of recent mass shootings

KERN COUNTY, Calif. — In a press release, the Kern County Fair announced that it is reviewing its current security procedures in light of the recent mass shootings in California, Texas and Ohio.

"We are working with local Sheriff, Bakersfield Police Department and Emergency Services to make sure we deliver a 12-day event that is safe and secure. We want to make sure our guests have the same great experience they have enjoyed for many years," said Mike Olcott, CEO of the Kern County Fair. “We will take all precautions to help ensure this is a safe place to come and enjoy all the fair has to offer."

Shootings at the Garlic Festival in Gilroy, California; a Walmart in El Paso, Texas; and an arts and entertainment district in downtown Dayton, Ohio have left 34 people dead and have forced local event organizers to review their scurity procedures. The Tulare County Fair recently announced that "fairgoers will need to pass through a metal detector before entering the grounds" and additional security and law enforcement will be hired.

The Kern County Fair expects more than 425,000 people to pass through its gates