The Piedmont Interstate fair, running from October 11th through 16th this year, found their notable family-friendly environment immensely disrupted and disturbed. That Saturday around 8;50 p.m., a shooting erupted inside of the fair.  

The Spartanburg Police Department stated the shooting occurred due to a fight that outbroke. The trigger was pulled; shooting one other in the leg who was thus taken to the hospital with “non-life-threatening injuries.” Officers have been reviewing surveillance attempting to identify the person behind the gun, but no further details have been released or found. Maj. Art Littlejohn, working with the Spartanburg Police Department, said they are hopeful that with their findings from the footage and witnesses, they will be able to act accordingly and find the shooter.  

Families at the scene were heavy on the impact the shooting caused themselves and children alike. Chaos ensued when gunshots were heard. One witness went onto Facebook about the incident, writing, “It makes me sick that the Piedmont Interstate Fair is seriously opening back up today [October 16th, 2022.] We went and had fun all day and then a fight broke out with 10-12 people … I am nine months pregnant. As soon as we left, we turned around and all we could hear was “POP, POP” with people scattering, screaming, and kids crying. I had to pick up my eight-year-old and run.” As mentioned in the mother’s post, the Piedmont Interstate Fair made the decision to open back up to the public the day after the shooting happened. In their official statement released shortly after the event took place, Piedmont Interstate Fair wrote: “The Spartanburg Police Department and Spartanburg County Sheriff’s Office will have an increased presence Sunday to ensure the safety of our patrons. [The] Fair will open Sunday at 1 p.m. and gates will close promptly at 6 p.m., rides ending at 7 p.m. All Saturday’s (October 15th, 2022) intact armbands will be honored. Please keep your armbands on. Any outstanding mega passes or tickets that have not been used will also be honored by Prime Time Carnival.” This decision was seen in more of a twisted, negative view than any other. Witnesses were also quick to bring up the fair’s ‘clear bag policy.’ “There was a sign that said ‘clear bag policy’ yet there was nobody checking bags or searching bags,” Said witness Brandi Bridges. “There were no metal detectors. I feel like it could have possibly been prevented or avoided if those measures had been in place.” 

“This evening an unfortunate event happened at the fairgrounds where a young member of our community was shot by another young member of our community … Upon recommendation of law enforcement, the fair was closed for the safety of our patrons.  

We have prided ourselves in providing a safe fair for 76 years. The Piedmont Interstate Fair Association regrets that the irresponsible actions of an individual ruined an evening of wholesome entertainment and activities for members of our community. 

Any inquiries into the shooting should be directed to the Spartanburg Police Department, the investigating agency for this incident.”  

– Piedmont Interstate Fair Associations