The Texas State Fair Is Now A Gun Free Zone

If you're going to the Texas State Fair, you better leave your guns at home.

For the first time in the history of the Texas State Fair, attendees can not enter the fairgrounds packing. Both concealed and open carry are a no - no at the fair taking place in Dallas Sept. 27 - Oct. 20.

The ban was put in place after a guy shot up the food court at last years event, injuring 3 people.

Up until now, the Texas State Fair had, much like the rest of the lone star state overall, always been gun friendly.

While the State Fair previously prohibited weapons on the property, it made exceptions for licensed gun owners. However, that will no longer be the case, and active and retired law enforcement officers as well as those with credentials verified by the Dallas Police Department will be exempt. So this year, when visitors enter the fair, they'll not only be greeted by Big Tex, but also weapons detection scanners at entrances to enforce the new measure. - CHRON

Public opinion on this was, of course, split. One comment against the ban said it should now be called the California State Fair while a comment supporting the ban said guns should have never been allowed in the first place.

Texas State Fair officials are standing by their decision saying it's necessary to ensure fair goers are in a safe and family friendly environment.

The Texas State Fair is the longest-running fair in the USA and one of the biggest, welcoming millions of peeps annually.