LOUISVILLE, Ky. (Aug. 21, 2022) – At approximately 9:20 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 20, 2022, Kentucky State Police (KSP) received an initial report of a disturbance in front of the Midway area on the Kentucky State Fairgrounds.
Subsequently, the Kentucky State Fair Board initiated a soft close of the fair out of an abundance of caution for event attendees. The initial investigation indicates that a group of individuals caused panic with noise-making devices, leading fair-goers to believe shots had been fired. At this time, KSP investigators have found no physical evidence that a weapon was discharged during the disruption, but the investigation remains ongoing. Upon completion of the investigation, KSP will issue the final details.
Last night, KSP arrested 8 individuals and the Kentucky Fair Board Police arrested one individual. Of those arrests, 3 were adults and 6 were minors. The individuals arrested all reside in Jefferson County. Charges include disorderly conduct, menacing, possession of stolen property and possession of a handgun.
In 2019, the Kentucky State Fair Board revised the attendance policy requiring fair-goers under 18 to be accompanied by a parent or guardian 21 years of age or older after 6:00pmET. To enter, all adults must show an ID at the gate. They also increased lighting throughout the fairgrounds and law enforcement presence during peak hours.
The Kentucky State Fair is open under normal operations.
