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Safety becomes a growing concern at the Carolina Classic Fair

Officials with the fairgrounds are asking people not to worry.

WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. — Over the past few days, it hasn't been all fun and games here at the Carolina Classic Fair. 

Winston-Salem police can confidently say that they have never seen both adults and children act so unruly here at the fair.

According to Winston-Salem police, several fights have broken out.

They said this year, particularly over the weekend, things got so bad that they were forced to make some changes when it comes to security.

WFMY News 2's Nixon Norman spoke with several people at the Carolina Classic today off camera, most said they feel safe.

"I'm here! I'm here... I'm enjoying myself with my neighbor, so despite that, we're still here. I don't see as many [police] as I thought I was going to see though. Yeah, and there should have been a little more search and could have been possibly seizure," said Cheryl Hodge, a Winston-Salem native.

However, some of the folks said although they felt safe, they wouldn't come after dark.

RELATED: Winston-Salem police are investigating a shooting outside Carolina Classic Fair that left two injured

"Well, the gun violence is a real concern of mine, for these teenagers that have guns and are getting those so easily. I don't have a solution, I wish I did but they're definitely needs to be something to get the amount of guns off the street," said Nell Hall, another Winston-Salem native.

For years the police department and Winston-Salem fairgrounds have worked together to keep the Carolina Classic secure.

Lili Craven, Marketing and Brand Manager with Winston-Salem Fairgrounds said people shouldn't worry.

"I think they should feel safe here. We are in constant contact with police, fire, EMS. We have radios that will radio to them on the fly, so if there is ever an emergency or situation, we, as a fair management staff can contact them very quickly and they are very quick to come and report to wherever they are needed," said  Craven. "We are a family-friendly and, I guess for a lack of better words, a 'PG' facility and we want it to be safe and fun for all friends and family here at the fair and we do not tolerate any kind of violence or aggressive behavior here."

Both police and the folks running the fair said the one thing that is not tolerated is violence.

RELATED: Vault Visit | Carolina Classic Fair canceled due to COVID-19 pandemic in 2020

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