More security, cameras in place as State Fair returns to Novi

By Max Bryan, Medianews Group

The Michigan State Honest, a beloved end-of-summer custom for a lot of, returned to Novi on Thursday with exhibits, journeys, exhibitions and meals, however attendees should anticipate improved security measures after a deadly taking pictures final yr.

Further NOVI cops will patrol this yr, which runs on Monday within the Suburban Assortment Showplace, along with 4 delegates from Oakland County Sheriff. The inventory market has additionally employed a personal safety workforce for further presence on the inventory alternate floor. And safety digital camera towers are in place, along with drones to test the crowds.

“My workforce and the State Honest Steering Committee workforce have been planning for this occasion for nearly a yr to make sure that we enhance security on the inventory market and be sure that it’s a protected household surroundings,” mentioned Novi Public Security Director Erick Zinser.

The additional safety measures come from Detroit after two 14-year-old, have been lethal shot within the car parking zone of the exhibition website final yr. Novi Police has since recognized an individual within the present investigation, mentioned Zinser.

Zinner mentioned that final yr’s taking pictures “had nothing to do” with the State Honest as a result of the youth didn’t come from Novi. He argued that it’s unfair to color final yr’s inventory alternate as unsafe.

The inventory market may also shut earlier this yr. Organizers will cease promoting tickets after 7 p.m. and shut its doorways at 8 p.m., after having walked earlier prior to now at 10 p.m. And other people below the age of 18 ought to be accompanied by an grownup, mentioned Zinser.

“No one needs, no. 1, killed for somebody, not to mention a minor or a toddler or somebody’s member of the family,” mentioned Zinser. “It’s a tragedy, and that’s definitely not the kind of exercise we wish in Novi, so we have now taken further measures to forestall additional incidents.”

Craig Bender, an sincere spokesperson, mentioned that guests ought to grow to be acquainted with improved safety this yr.

“We do issues for the households as a result of we’re all of the household males right here. We wish what’s finest for everybody’s household,” mentioned Bender.

Bender mentioned that this yr’s state truthful has 5 new exhibits, together with the “Sea Lion Splash” and a BMX stunt present. He mentioned that the inventory market “the wants of somebody within the household within the Tremendous seat household” due to the varied vary of those exhibits.

The work of Novi Police prior to now yr solely contributes to serving the wants of households visiting, mentioned Bender.

“In the meanwhile the whole lot has been finished to make sure that not solely that (guests) have a high quality expertise, however that everybody feels protected, and it’ll proceed to go that method,” he mentioned.

Initially printed: August 29, 2025 at 11:46 am Edt