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Maryland State Fair Increases Security After Recent Mass Shootings

August 23rd, 2019 by WCBC Radio

Maryland State Fair officials are making security a top priority this year after numerous mass shootings occurred across the country, including one at the Gilroy Garlic Festival in California. 

As guests enter the front gate of the Maryland State Fairgrounds, they ill go through security lines that include a bag search and a metal detector to check for any prohibited items such as weapons, drones and selfie sticks, according to the Washington Times.

According to the state fair's website, other prohibited items include coolers, fireworks, duffel bags, Mace/pepper spray and hoverboards/Segways. 

Andy Cashman, the state fair's general manager, said that there will be around 60 Baltimore County police officers and security guards roaming the fairgrounds at any time. 

Prior to the fair's opening, a safety and security team underwent roughly 25 hours of training, and the entire fair staff participated in a three-hour safety training session, the Washington Times reports.

The fair will run from Aug. 22 to Sept. 2, opening at noon on weekdays and 10 a.m. on weekends and Labor Day. 

The increased security measures come after multiple mass shootings that occurred across the United States.

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