Grant Co. considers fair safety
NANCE BESTON | Hagadone News Network | UPDATED 1 year, 7 months AGO
The Grant County Fair saw an increase in law enforcement presence this year after at least one shooting and other security issues. Agencies from throughout the Columbia Basin worked together to ensure fair patrons' safety.
GCSO PHOTO
MOSES LAKE – The Grant County Commissioners recently convened a meeting with Jim McKiernan from the Grant County Fair and Moses Lake Police Department and Grant County Sheriff's Office officials to discuss safety for the 2025 Grant County Fair.
This meeting was held partially in response to the Aug. 16 shooting, which stemmed from a gang-related dispute. During the incident, a 15-year-old suspect from Wenatchee drew a handgun, firing a shot that injured a 16-year-old girl and a 14-year-old girl, according to GCSO information. The 16-year-old was the alleged shooter’s girlfriend and the 14-year-old was a bystander. Initial reports indicated that the weapon had discharged unintentionally while being drawn.
Central to the discussion was the issue of safety at the fair, particularly the proposal to designate the event as a gun-free zone. However, commissioners raised concerns that such a designation might only hinder law-abiding citizens who carry firearms legally while doing little to prevent criminals from bringing weapons into the fairgrounds.
“I am very much against sitting duck zones, those gun free zones that we want to create at hospitals and schools,” Grant County Commissioner Danny Stone said. “I think it sets them up for shootings. I think it’s asinine.”
Further deliberation included the potential implementation of metal detectors or scanning at entry points to enhance security. However, logistical challenges were noted, particularly regarding the feasibility of enforcing these measures in areas such as campgrounds and during rodeo events.
“I am going to say yes and no for it helping,” Grant County Sheriff Joey Kriete said. “This is why, I think yes for the public perception, and I think no for getting firearms in there. No, I don’t think it’s going to prevent unwanted firearms, they are too easy to get in there and if the criminal wants to get a gun in the fair, they are going to get it in.”
The meeting also explored the addition of improved lighting in critical areas such as the carnival and entrance points to bolster safety and enhance visibility in case of an emergency evacuation. The use of weapon-sniffing dogs was another option discussed, though concerns emerged about legitimate gun owners facing unnecessary scrutiny.
McKiernan proposed increased signage throughout the fairgrounds to inform attendees about security measures.
“Metal detectors may be used, bags may be checked, no illegal weapons in the venue, no demonstration of gangs, the fairgrounds have the right to refuse service,” McKiernan said. “I don't know what the exact wording would be, but we should have more signs up. That’s an easy deterrent.”
No decisions were made for the 2025 Grant County Fair season; however, there will be future discussions on whether adding extra security elements is feasible budget wise and what features would most benefit safety at the fairgrounds.
“It's just such a fine line and I think that the perception of the communities that would be doing something,” Kriete said. “What that is, what the answer is, I don’t I really, truly don’t know. We could all sit here and say, ‘Well, if we do this, it's not gonna stop them from doing this, but if we do this, it's not gonna stop them from doing that,’ but I think that if we can do something that is some type of deterrent it isn't going to hurt.”
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