State fair GM: Fairgrounds one of safest places in Pueblo

The state fair’s general manager isn’t concerned that recent gang shootings will hurt attendance at the 11-day event.

“We have more security on the grounds than you’re going to find anywhere else in Pueblo,” said Chris Wiseman, who’s stepping down as general manager this year.

Fairgoers can expect to have their purses or bags inspected, and some people will be randomly checked, Wiseman said. Additionally, officers with the Department of Corrections will help provide security.

“We have very little tolerance here,” Wiseman said. “One punch thrown, one move in the wrong direction and you’re out the door.”

Wiseman said security officers will also be looking for large groups of people who may belong to gangs.

“We actually make sure that they walk in smaller numbers,” Wiseman said. “And our policemen here on the fairgrounds work closely with those people who can identify who those folks are and we watch them a little closer.”

Vendor Stephanie Rice isn’t concerned about the violence in Pueblo making its way into the fairgrounds.

“At least six, seven years ago, I know they did have issues, but the last five years have been very family-oriented and no issues whatsoever,” Rice said.

“We haven’t had a serious incident of anything out here in quite a few years,” Wiseman said.

Still, the fair spends $185,000 on security for the 11-day event.

The fair opens on Friday, but fairgoers can get a look inside during the fair’s “Sneak Peek” event Thursday, when rides will be open from 5 p.m. to midnight.