Riverside County Fair & Date Festival Security Keeps Peace

The 65th annual Riverside County Fair and National Date Festival is in full swing with record crowds passing through the turnstiles, and large crowds means a greater potential for an increase in security issues

Five days into the festival, security officials say the festival could not be going more smoothly.

There have been no major issues.

On Monday, there was a shooting just a few blocks outside of the fairgrounds, but it was unrelated to the festival and did not interrupt the fun and games.

There are no reported ticketing issues, or reports of fraud.

Surveillance cameras are set-up in various areas here at the festival, and security says they are being monitored all time for potential pick-pocketers, fights, or any sort of illegal activity.

None of the festival games have been shut down either.

There have been no allegations of cheating.

There’s also a lost and found at the information center here at the fair just in case you’ve misplaced something.

Security also stresses that last night’s shooting shouldn’t stop anyone from coming out to the fair.

“We’ve had one or two small fights that were handled immediately,” said Ron Dye, the grounds control coordinator. “It’s been a very mellow crowd — a very happy crowd.”

The Riverside County Sheriff’s Department also has a command center set-up inside the grounds to provide security.

The Indio police are responsible for monitoring traffic outside the grounds and any other city related issues.