Neighbors Organize Volunteer Minnesota Fair Patrol

st. Paul, Ming. – Keeping the Minnesota State Fair safe this year isn’t just for those who wear badges.

Neighbors who live nearby organize their own volunteer patrols that become visible and friendly.

“Tension rises [during the fair]Especially when parking is difficult and people are worried about just getting in,” said Jennifer Victor-Larsen, one of the initiative’s main organizers.

More than 120 neighborhood residents, many of whom live within 400 meters of the fairgrounds, volunteered to take turns walking the streets outside the fairgrounds.

“People want to buy in for ways they can help their neighbors and keep their own families safe,” said another organizer, Kate McCrait.

Victor Larsen, McCrait, and Cindy Mitch felt compelled to organize a patrol over the past few years due to violence and other issues beyond typical nuisance.

There are block readers called ‘connectors’ with emergency text chains and daily email updates. Neighbors are there to help if something gets too tense.

Joel Franklin, Executive Director of the Community Ambassador Initiative, said: “When young people have problems, we de-escalate and intervene.”
Community Ambassadors is a non-profit organization in St. Paul with years of experience in outreach to young people. They go out every night of the fair from 5pm until midnight.

According to McCreight, patrolmen wear neon green T-shirts that read, “How Can I Help? I’m A Neighbor.”

“People are usually just parking their cars or talking to other neighbors during this time, so it’s a planned and coordinated effort,” she said.

Patrols are assisted by law enforcement agencies. State officials said on Tuesday that the threat level for Fair is very low. Metal detectors and hundreds of police officers will be posted inside and outside.