Several fights broke out Monday night at the Arkansas State Fair, resulting in 17 people facing charges, authorities said.
Corporal Trey Keller of the Arkansas State Police said the incidents were quickly handled by officers from Little Rock Police, Arkansas State Police, and fair security. “Some of the suspects were charged accordingly,” Keller said.
Social media posts had circulated rumors of firearms at the fair, but police said no weapons were brought inside. “The state fair has a weapons detection system, so if there were any weapons that got even close, they would have been taken off the patrons,” Keller said.
Security at this year’s fair includes multiple law enforcement agencies and fair security, with about 100 officers and personnel on site, Keller said.
Police also reminded parents about the free armband program, which allows children to wear their parent’s contact information in case they get lost.
Despite the fights, Keller emphasized that the fair remains a safe place for families. “We want people to come out here and enjoy themselves, along with their family,” he said.
Brandy Yeoman, a parent and fairgoer, said she felt safe. “There’s security out when we parked, security followed us all the way in and bag checks as we came in, and lots of people around to help,” she said.
Since 2023, the Arkansas State Fair has required anyone under 18 to be accompanied by an adult after 6 p.m.
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