Organizers of the YMBL South Texas State Fair say enhanced security measures will be in place when the event opens next week, as concerns linger following recent violence in the area.
The fair is set to open Thursday at Doggett Ford Park, where preparations are already underway. Officials say safety is a top priority, especially in the wake of the recent shooting at Rogers Park and ongoing concerns about youth violence.
Fair Chairman Pat Anderson said organizers understand some families may be hesitant to attend but emphasized that additional precautions are being taken this year.
“I would say to the people out there that we’re probably the safest place you could be,” Anderson said.
Among the changes, all entrances will now be equipped with handheld metal detector wands, expanding on last year’s limited use. Security officers contracted through Allied Universal will screen attendees at every gate.
“They go over the body and it picks up if there’s any kind of metal,” Anderson said. “Last year we had it in certain places, this year we have it on every gate.”
The fair will also enforce a clear bag policy, with no backpacks or hoodies allowed, according to organizers.
Anderson added that officers will also patrol parking lots on bicycles, providing an additional layer of visibility and security outside the gates.
In addition to private security, Anderson said the fair is working closely with the Beaumont Police Department to ensure a strong law enforcement presence throughout the event.
Police Public Information Officer Chancellor Van Houten said the department plans to deploy a mobile command center on-site, allowing officers to monitor activity in real time.
“All communications go through the command center, and officers will also be actively monitoring the cameras on site,” Van Houten said. “We know where all the officers are on the fairgrounds. There will be quite a bit of police officers, and we’ll also be supplementing officers that are on duty.”
Van Houten said large crowds require heightened awareness and a proactive approach to potential incidents.
“We will have a zero-tolerance policy for violence, and so if anyone comes here expecting to fight, they should expect to go to jail,” he said.
He also urged parents — especially those with teenagers — to attend the fair with their children rather than dropping them off, emphasizing the role families play in maintaining safety.
“If we see large amounts of people running toward each other, that’s usually an indicator that there’s something going on,” Van Houten said. “Officers will respond and investigate.”
Despite the added security, Anderson said the goal remains to provide a safe, family-friendly environment.
“Looking forward to people coming out here and having a good time, enjoying it, bringing their family,” he said.