Security will be tighter at gates
But don’t expect heavily armed police as at Musikfest
The 267th Allentown Fair opens Tuesday, and those who attend will see some new security measures as they enter the fairgrounds at the main gate: random searches with wand metal detectors.
As in years past, random bag searches also will be conducted at the fair gate, and security will search all bags and use wands on fairgoers as they go into the Grandstand concert venue, said Jessica Ciecwisz, the fair’s marketing and entertainment manager.
Ciecwisz did not elaborate on how the random wand searches at the main gate will be conducted, citing security reasons.
But fairgoers should not expect to see some of the increased weaponry that was on display during Musikfest, said Allentown police interim Chief Tony Alsleben.
“I am hopeful there is no situation that requires that,” he said.
Added security measures were in place at this year’s Musikfest, Bethlehem’s annual 10-day music festival, after mass shootings in El Paso, Texas, and
Dayton, Ohio, and online threats were posted that were later deemed unfounded. Some of the added security measures at Musikfest included surveillance cameras, as well as a visible presence of officers armed with AR-15 rifles.
But there is one big difference between the two multiday events. The vast majority of Musikfest is completely open. That’s not the case at the Allentown Fair.
“The great thing about our facility is that we are gated,” Ciecwisz said.
Alsleben said his department always increases manpower during the fair, but the number of officers at and around the fair in 2019 won’t be substantially different from previous years, unless a specific situation arises.
Police have already had security and logistics briefings with employees of the fair and its security contractor, Alsleben said, and the department will hold daily briefings during the seven-day event.
Allentown police also coordinate with the Lehigh County Emergency Management Agency, which has resources such as drones available if necessary, he said.
The department operates with all available units on standby during the fair, Alsleben said, and the force has the ability to make adjustments if needed.
Those who have tickets to the fair’s big concerts at the Grandstand, including acts such as Miranda Lambert, Hall & Oates and Live/Bush, should follow the same advice given during Musikfest — get there early.
“We always encourage people to come early, ” said Terri Schwenk, assistant marketing director for the fair. “Come early to enjoy the fair.”
The gates to the concert venue open 90 minutes before the show begins, giving concertgoers plenty of time to get through.
If you have tickets to any of the fair’s Grandstand concerts, here’s what you need to keep in mind:
■ In general, it’s best to keep what you bring to the fair at a minimum to expedite your entrance.
■ Backpacks or oversized bags are not allowed in most cases.
■ All hand-carried items, belt bags and strollers are subject to search by show security.
■ No glass containers may be brought into the venue. Soft drinks purchased onsite in cans or bottles may be poured into paper cups by security at the venue gate at the artist’s request.
■ Prohibited items include: laser pointers, selfie sticks, drones, fireworks and weapons of any kind.