The Fair

Media

Media Contact:
Jim Baron
General Manager
Northwest Washington Fair
Cell: (360) 815-5669

 

August 26, 2011

"What the Fair is Doing about the August 20 Shooting"

Aug. 22, 2011

Northwest Washington Fair Records Highest Single-day Attendance in Recent History

The Northwest Washington Fair in Lynden concluded its six-day run Saturday with its highest single-day attendance in recent history: 43,138.

This year’s total attendance of 219,292 was up 1.3 percent from the centennial celebration in 2010. The Northwest Washington Fair’s Board of Directors considers any fair drawing over 200,000 a financial success.

“The larger carnival and the improved quality of commercial food vendors both were well received by fairgoers,” said Jim Baron, General Manager of the Northwest Washington Fair. “We’re thankful to all of the exhibitors, volunteers and sponsors who make this one of the top fairs in the state. With attendance like this, we’ll continue to draw top entertainers to Northwest Washington.”

Lynden PD Press Release - Shooting At Northwest WA Fair

At approximately 10:05 P.M. on Saturday, Aug 20th, the Lynden Police Department received a report of shots fired during a fight at the Northwest Washington Fair.  Upon arrival, officers found two males and a female suffering from apparent gunshot wounds, and a third male suffering from what appeared to be a stab wound.  All four were transported to St. Joseph's Hospital in Bellingham for treatment.  The victims ranged in age from 18 to 23 years.

Taken into custody on the fairgrounds was a 15 year old juvenile male suspect, and a handgun was recovered.  The suspect was booked into juvenile detention on one count of attempted murder and two counts of 1st degree assault, with bail set at $500,000.  The incident appears to be gang related.

Officers from the Whatcom County Sheriffs Department, the U.S. Border Patrol, and the Sumas and Everson Police Departments responded to assist the Lynden Police.  The investigation is continuing, the results of which will be forwarded to the Whatcom County Prosecuting Attorney's Office.

Jack W. Foster, Chief
Lynden Police Department
Office - 360 354-2828
Fax   -   360 354-7609

Aug. 21, 2011

Statement on the Shooting Incident at the Northwest Washington Fair from Manager Jim Baron

“The Northwest Washington Fair has enjoyed 100 years of family entertainment without any serious security incident until this past Saturday evening,” said Jim Baron, General Manager of the fair in Lynden, Wash. “Our hearts and prayers go out to the victims of the incident and also to the bystanders who experienced the shock of observing it by being nearby.”

“We are conducting our own investigation of the incident and working closely with law enforcement in their investigation. We are absolutely intent in maintaining the Fair's reputation for the best family entertainment opportunity in the region. We will carefully review all our safety and security procedures, the strength and visibility of our security forces, and make any changes deemed necessary to ensure a safe and secure environment.”

“We also commit to making publicly available on our website the findings of our investigation and any resulting changes we implement to help ensure that such incidents don’t repeat themselves.”

“We are grateful that Lynden Police Department officers, who were patrolling the fairgrounds, quickly apprehended a suspect and protected thousands of other fairgoers. We’re also thankful that our private security team helped in controlling the crowd at the scene and contributed to the fast response of emergency medical personnel from the Lynden Fire Department, which also has personnel here during the fair.”

MEDIA NOTE: Any questions about what happened regarding the alleged assaults and details about the suspect and victims should be directed to the Lynden Police Department, (360) 354-2828.

 

Media Pass Policy: Rules and Consideration

1. Media passes are complimentary.

2. Providing a press badge and/or business card is NOT sufficient to gain media access to the Northwest Washington Fair.

3. To receive a media pass, media contacts must fill out and send in a "Media Pass Application" to the Northwest Washington Fair. The application may be sent via e-mail to , faxed to (360) 354-1315, or mailed to 1775 Front Street, Lynden, WA 98264.

4. Media members who receive a media pass must agree to submit copies of articles written about the fair and attendees to the Northwest Wasington Fair. Copies may be sent ot the above listed e-mail, fax, or street address.

Media Pass Application