Oklahoma State Fair launches new policy for minors after incident at previous fair

The Oklahoma State Fair has implemented a relatively new policy for minors attending the event this year, extending a requirement implemented on the last day of last year's fair.

After 5 p.m. during the fair, attendees who are under 18 years of age must be accompanied by a parent, legal guardian or chaperone who is at least 25 years old.

The fair this year runs from Sept. 12-22.

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The new policy also states that all minors should be supervised by a responsible adult. Fairgrounds staff may remove minors who are in violation.

This policy was first implemented on the final day of the fair last year. The family-friendly annual event was rocked in 2023 by a shooting that sent one person to the hospital. A 17-year-old suspect was arrested.

State Fair spokesman Scott Munz said the youth attendance rule was added "to further provide for the safety and security of our fairgoers.

"We have seen this policy work at other state fairs including, among others, the State Fair of Texas," Munz said.

Adults can accompany up to five minors and are required to stay at the fair while minors are in attendance. Officially recognized tour groups, youths participating in State Fair competitions and other programs with adult supervision are exempt from the policy.

Oklahoma's State Fair isn't the only one implementing a new policy as a result of a shooting. Last year, three people at the State Fair of Texas were shot; officials there recently announced that firearms will be banned from the premises, including those that are concealed.

Firearms are also prohibited at the Oklahoma State Fair.

This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: Oklahoma State Fair launches new policy for minors after incident at previous fair