ROCHESTER, Minn. – The Olmsted County Fair opened with beefed–up security to discourage rowdyism that led to shutting down the fair early at nights last year. At least 14 police officers , sheriff’s deputies and school security officers will be on the grounds most evenings and 20 on busy nights, said Scott Schneider, Fair president. To promote a good time, Schneider said, officers each have been $500 to reward kids with Fair goodies. The idea is creating relationships and trying to make everyone feel a part of the Fair, Schneider said.

Earlier: Bad kids prompt Rochester fairgrounds curfew

Verbatim

Schneider : “The issues last year were spilled over from the school district. These kids haven’t seen anyone at school, and with social media they started saying things they wouldn’t normally say and all the sudden they feel like they needed to do something. And bring it to the fair, because there’s a platform. No one was in danger. It was just some kids who wanted to fight and kids who wanted to watch.”