Young mobs at the Fair? (Dallas: appointed, school districts, safe)

[crankywithakeyboard]

Seems like every time I watched the news this summer there was some violence at a fair somewhere caused by a bunched of dumb teenagers.
Examples:
Security upped after violence at Wisconsin State Fair | Reuters
FAIR FIGHT: Police plan more patrols at next year's Iowa State Fair to deter violence - WHO (http://www.whotv.com/news/who-story-iowa-state-fair-safety-092210,0,7788595.story - broken link)

We just moved to the area and have never been to the state fair. We are a married couple with a young child and have absolutely no interest in a rowdy time or in experiencing the more seedy elements of DFW.

Have you seen this type of behavior at the state fair? Are there certain days or areas of the fair to avoid? Is there a big security presence? Obviously common sense always applies but would you say it's a safe and nice experience for a family?

[hamiltonpl]

Perhaps don't go on Fair Day, when all the schools let their kids out for the Fair? (Even then I'd think you'd be fine). About 20 years ago, I remember a problem one year, when someone claimed to have been injected with a syringe at the fair. (I'm not sure if it was proven accurate). But if it is anything like the last couple decades, you have nothing to worry about.

[nsumner]

Most people head to the fair after work or school and on weekends. It is worth taking a day off and if your child is not in school yet, that would be even better so you don't have to pull him/her out of school.

Naima

[mSooner]

I'd also avoid OU/TX weekend because there are bound to be some drunken idiots. We went on a weekend last year with another couple with 3 young kids. Felt perfectly safe.

[fratermus]

DISD day at the State Fair this year is Oct 7th. Avoid.

{CORRECTION: it appears DISD has recently split it into 7th/14th at the request of the Dallas mayor and DPD. Does that tell you anything?}

I am certain it will be a day full of high-minded civic interaction and bonhomie.

Note to CHL or reciprocity folks: having your ID/plastic discreetly visible to the security guard before s/he wands you makes for a smoother experience. Usually you are directed inside to touch base with the DPD officer on duty. No drama.

[FarNorthDallas]

I have never felt fear at the fair. The police presence is intense. The most crowded days are crummy though - Saturdays when they have a football game and then Mondays when the school districts are closed so the kids can go to the Fair. These crowds are so bad, you don't want to go those days. Sundays are better than Saturdays or Mondays. The crowds aren't scary, it's just too hard to walk around due to all the people.

[ggolf]

I'd go during the week, when fair opens at 10am (if you can get the time off). No crowds, easy parking or DART. We went a few years ago and had a delightful time, for about 4 hours. When we got out of the pig races, the fair had been taken over by large Hispanic crowds. It might have been Hispanic Heritage day or something, because the place was packed. No problems, just lots of people to the point that it took a lot of effort just to continue moving, so we left, a little disappointed.

BigTex.com might have a calendar so you can plan your date. Yeah, avoid DISD days

[hamiltonpl]

Go on senior citizen day!

http://www.bigtex.com/sft/index.asp

[JenG1974]

We've taken our little one every year - even as a 6 month old - and have never had a issue.

[ChristieP]

I've gone to the Fair for years and have never felt unsafe or had a problem. We don't stay out really late, and usually leave after the flag lowering ceremony at 5 PM. Occasionally, we stay for the evening parade.

As others have said, avoid the DISD Fair Days, and TX/OU game day just because it is insanely crowded.