How North Carolina Department of Agriculture plan to keep visitors safe through final weekend of State Fair

RALEIGH, NC (WTVD) — With 57 law enforcement agencies helping provide security at the North Carolina State Fair, police are reminding visitors about prohibited items and ways to report safety concerns as the Fair enters its final weekend.

Anthony Prignano, police chief for the N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, said fairgoers should leave weapons at home.

Guns, knives and pepper spray are prohibited on the fairgrounds and will be confiscated if brought inside.

Visitors who see something suspicious or feel uncomfortable can contact law enforcement by texting the State Fair hotline at 888-777.

Signs at the gates display the number, and visitors can send messages about security concerns.

“Look at those items that are prohibited inside the gate, so we don’t confiscate them,” said Prignano. “So just come out and have a good time, and we’re going to try to keep you safe the best we can.”

Prignano said the most common call involving families each year is for missing children.

Parents visiting the fair should be aware of their surroundings and review the fair’s security guidelines before arriving.

“On every gate, you have a number that you can text. State Fair, one word. 888-777,” said Prignano.

Fairgoers can find additional security guidelines and a list of prohibited items on the State Fair’s website.