Expect Increased Law Enforcement Presence at MontanaFair

MontanaFair 2023 "The Last Best Place of Summer" kicks off on August 11th at MetraPark. Fair organizers do a decent job of bringing new acts and entertainment each year while balancing new attractions with long-time crowd favorites. One new thing you might notice this year is more law enforcement patrolling the fairgrounds.

In a press release, Cody Reitz, Marketing and Sales Director for MetraPark outlined the increased police presence for 2023. No doubt this is in response to the shooting that injured one person at the midway last year. It was eventually determined to be an "isolated incident" between two individuals that were familiar with each other, but still... we deserve to feel safe at the fair. MetraPark wrote,

We understand that safety is paramount in ensuring that these moments remain enjoyable and stress-free for everyone. With the support of local law enforcement, we are putting additional measures in place to remind our visitors that the fairgrounds are not only a venue for unforgettable experiences but also a safe environment for families and individuals alike.

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Credit: Johnny Vincent, Townsquare Media

The Billings PD will be joining the Yellowstone County Sheriff's Office at MontanaFair.

Chief Rich St. John of the Billings Police Department announced in a press release that BPD officers will be joining the YCSO this year, reiterating "It is important to us that the members of this community feel safe and confident that they can participate in community events, such as the Fair, and local law enforcement will take measures to protect them."

BPD officers will not be pulled from their regular shifts, ensuring the city retains its normal amount of officers on duty. Most officers will be in uniform, but there may be some plainclothes officers monitoring the fairgrounds as well.

Credit: Yellowstone County Sheriff's Office via Facebook

In regard to last year's shooting, are you concerned about safety at MontanaFair?Let us know with a message on our Mobile App, leave a Facebook comment or reach out to me at Mornings@BillingsMix.com

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Source: Expect Increased Law Enforcement Presence at MontanaFair this Year