(The Center Square) – Managers at the Wisconsin State Fair want to avoid another fight on the fairgrounds.
To do that, fair leaders said Thursday said it is changing the rules for teenagers after a melee on the fair’s closing night this year injured a police officer and grabbed national attention.
"To promote a safe, welcoming, and family-friendly environment, the following Youth Admission Policy will be in effect after 5 p.m.," the fair announced. "All fairgoers 17 years of age and under must be accompanied by a parent, guardian, or chaperone who is 25 years of age or older."
The Fair's new Youth Admission Policy also states:
● Each adult chaperone may accompany no more than four minors per day
● Groups larger than four individuals aged 17 and under will require an additional chaperone for every four minors
● Adult chaperones must remain at State Fair Park when the Youth Admission Policy is in place
"State Fair Park staff reserves the right to remove any unaccompanied minors from State Fair Park when Youth Admission Policy is in place," the Fair added. "The State Fair Park CEO/executive director and the chief of police reserve the right to enact changes to this policy at any time."
The changes come after dozens of teens were caught on video running through the fairgrounds, fighting, causing damage, and injuring both other fairgoers and at least one police officer.
Seven people were arrested after the melee at the fair in late August.
West Allis Police were called to the fair to help State Fair police officers, and there were calls about groups of teens causing damage at businesses near the fairgrounds.
The new Youth Admission Policy begins when the 2027 fair begins Aug. 5