Last night, June 25, 2024, there were multiple physical fights at the McCracken County Fair. The fights appeared to all involve juveniles. After breaking up one fight, a deputy with the McCracken County Sheriff’s Office was followed by two female juveniles. The female juveniles were yelling and cursing at the deputy who was eventually joined by other deputies. One female struck a deputy and when that juvenile was taken into custody, another female then struck another deputy. Both juveniles were arrested, and deputies contacted the court designated worker to attempt to have the juveniles lodged in the juvenile detention center.
Deputies and personnel from Paducah Police Department and Kentucky State Police then attempted to quell other fights and identify those involved. Fair personnel began closing the fair at approximately 9:15 PM, because of these fights.
The McCracken County Fair is hosted by Kiwanis. The fair is for charity, with the money distributed among agencies within our community. It is a great opportunity for families to enjoy the summer nights together and help give to a good cause. However, many years a small minority has ruined it for those who are simply attempting to enjoy their night.
The McCracken County Sheriff’s Office, other law enforcement agencies, and the Kiwanis will continue to strive to make the fair a safe and fun environment for families and people of all ages. Those who are under 17 will be required to have a parent or guardian enter and leave the fair with them. Those who do not follow this simple rule will be asked to leave. If they refuse to leave, enforcement action will be taken. The MCSO will not allow fights to run rampant, endangering innocent parties, and ruining the fair for others.
As Sheriff, I have directed deputies to ask the presiding District Court Judge to incarcerate any juveniles who we catch fighting at the fair. Unfortunately, this comes at an added cost to McCracken County taxpayers. Due to changes made by the Kentucky Department of Corrections, if the judge decides to incarcerate a juvenile, all female juveniles must be transported to Boyd County which is a fifteen hour round trip. This will require two deputies which has a domino effect on the costs of regular patrol of the county. This is an unfortunate decision by the state, but I believe it is what we must do to provide a safe environment to residents and visitors.