ORCHARD LAKE, Mich. – Security is being boosted this year at the St. Mary's Polish Country Fair in Orchard Lake after fights broke out at last year's fair, along with threats on social media that resulted in someone being arrested for domestic terrorism.
The signs couldn't be clearer at all the entry points: If it's after 6 p.m. and you are under 18 and not with an adult, you're not allowed in.
Droves of kids were turned away Friday because they had no parental supervision. The sheriff's department was out en masse with the mobile command center, squad cars and deputies in golf carts and on horseback. They are everywhere this weekend keeping an eye on things.
"We saw the signs coming in so I thought we were more secure," said Rob Seer, of West Bloomfield. "Both commented on it, we felt secure walking in."
Last year, on one night of the fair too many teenagers got out of control.
Past story: Fights break out at St. Mary's fair
This year so far, there hasn't been a single issue.
"It looks like it's very safe," said Jeanne Camaro, of West Bloomfield. "The police are around, very good thing."
Fun on the midway, Polish specialties like pierogies, stuffed cabbage and sauerkraut is all back. Fair organizers are expecting more than 100,000 people over the course of the weekend.