After Trumbull Carnival Incident, Fairfield PD Prep for McKinley Event

FAIRFIELD, CT — With news that there were problems last weekend at a school carnival in Trumbull, Fairfield police want residents to know this weekend's McKinley School Carnival at Jennings Beach will be a safe event for the whole family.

"We always prepare for events such as this, but for the most part we have traffic concerns that we address ahead of time with no parking signs, etc.," Fairfield Police Lt. Michael Paris told Patch. "Of course, we have an occasional dispute, that happens, but we are prepared as an agency to address any concerns as they arise."

Last weekend, Trumbull police arrested a 13-year-old Fairfield boy at the Hillcrest Middle School carnival, after he allegedly brandished a knife during a fight. No injuries were reported.

While Paris declined to offer specifics about the department's security protocols for carnivals and the like, the department usually assigns four officers to such events; more officers can be added if needed, depending on the event's size.

The McKinley carnival runs from Friday evening through Sunday, with free admission; an "unlimited rides" wristband costs $30.

How many attendees are expected is unknown, Paris said, in part, because weather plays a large factor. Click here for this weekend's forecast.

If there are hassles associated with large events like the McKinley carnival, they are typically traffic or parking related, Paris said. The department tries to head off those concerns with signage.

Carnivals and such events are meant to be fun, and Paris said that the department recognizes this, and wants people to know that safety for everyone is a top priority.

"We will say that any criminal acts at these events will not be tolerated, and we will handle those situations that arise swiftly," Paris said.