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Security stepping up at the Washington State Fair

For the first time, the entrance to the Washington State Fair will look a lot like a TSA checkpoint with metal detectors.

The increased security measures are partly a result of recent mass shootings, fair officials said.

In addition to metal detectors, four police officers will guard each of the four entrances to the fair. 
Guests can also expect mandatory bag checks and longer lines this year, says Stacy Van Horne with the Washington State Fair.

"We have about 1.1 million people come through those gates in the 20 days that we've open and we want them to feel safe," she said.

The Washington State Fair works with police agencies year round to implement a "security plan" every year.

Larry Ball has been going to the state fair for decades. Every year, he gets a little more worried about what could happen especially after recent mass shootings.

"You know it's always a fear that all of us have," he said

The Washington State Fair started back in 1900 as the Puyallup Fair, as it was known for decades.

There haven't been major security incidents, but staff are taking proactive measures to keep people safe at the fair, which runs from Friday Aug. 30 to Sunday Sept. 22.

Puyallup Police conducted its active shooter training at the fairgrounds last week.

This year's Washington State Fair concerts include The Beach Boys, Weezer, Keith Urban, Bill Idol and Brad Paisley, among others. See the full list here.

Follow this link for details about the fair exhibits and attractions, this link for info about the rodeo, and go here for the overall fair website.

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