Guns banned at Bloomsburg Fair
BLOOMSBURG (AP) – Officials in central Pennsylvania say guns will be banned at this year’s Bloomsburg Fair.
Bill Barratt, Bloomsburg’s superintendent of police and parking, says the ban is intended to assure the safety of people attending the Sept. 21-28 event.
He told The (Bloomsburg) Press Enterprise that a domestic argument or a misfire could harm bystanders in the expected crowd of 80,000.
Barratt said he expects some criticism but decided on the ban after consulting with state and federal officials.
Barratt said he couldn’t recall any instances of gunfire at the fair, although there have been a few stabbings.
Officials announced earlier that they intend to begin searching bags as people enter.
The ban applies only during fair week, not other times when gun shows are held at the fairgrounds.