Possession of a firearm, drugs among 2018 State Fair arrests

The sheriff's office, which is the lead agency for security and law enforcement at the fair, made arrests for possession of a firearm, drug activity with intent to distribute, possession of cocaine and an outstanding fugitive warrant.

N.C. State Fair gates open Thursday

There was also an arrest of a sex offender who attended the fair.

A 2016 law passed by the General Assembly bars registered sex offenders from the North Carolina State Fair in Raleigh as well as any other fairground in the state during an agricultural fair.

North Carolinians for Rational Sexual Offense Laws, which advocates on behalf of registered sex offenders, has said that public safety resources are “being wasted” by tracking sex offenders, arguing more resources should go toward threats like Legionnaires’ disease.

Carnival games put to the test before fair gates open

On Wednesday, Baker said sex offenders would not be allowed into the fair this year.

"There was a group that was seeking to allow, wanted me to allow convicted sex offenders in," Baker said. "That is not going to happen. We are going to, each and every year, as we have in the past, make sure the children are safe and everyone is safe."

In 2018, the sheriff's office also cited individuals for selling ride tickets or merchandise without a permit, flying a drone over the fairgrounds, causing a disturbance and public intoxication.

In 2017, State Fair arrests included possession of cocaine and heroin, assault on a law enforcement officer, a sex offender violation and larceny by an employee. People were also cited for resisting arrest and flying a drone over state property.

As with previous years, there will be deputies on duty, undercover officers and members from the Drug and Vice and Special Response teams at the fairgrounds daily.