RALEIGH, N.C. — As the North Carolina State Fair kicks off, excitement fills the air, but safety remains a top priority for organizers and attendees alike. This year, 59 agencies are working together to ensure a secure environment for fair-goers with special attention to the safety of children.

What You Need To Know

  • The North Carolina State Fair has 59 agencies collaborating to ensure the safety of fair-goers

  • Chief of Police Anthony Prignano says the No. 1 call they get during the fair is for missing children

  • Prignano advises parents to take photos of their children in front of designated "destination fun banners" at each gate, which can help law enforcement quickly locate missing kids

Anthony Prignano, the Chief of Police for the N.C. State Fair, emphasized that the No. 1 call police receive during the event is about missing children.

"Each gate will have what's known as a destination fun banner. Feel free to take a photo of your child in front of that banner should the child come up missing,” Prignano said. “You can report it to law enforcement. And, we can get that photo out to all of our agencies and all support staff, to help find your child."

The sense of community and collaboration extends beyond the fairgrounds. Prignano highlighted the teamwork seen in North Carolina’s mountain communities following Hurricane Helene.

“It's evident in the western part of the state of all the citizens and public safety agencies coming together and helping people out. And I think the state fair this year just shows that we're here to stay, and we're not going anywhere. We can get knocked in the head a few times, but we're going to survive it,” he said.

For those attending the fair, if you need public safety assistance, you can call (919) 612-6767. In case of emergencies, always dial 911.

Enjoy the fair, but remember to keep safety top of mind!