SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO.com) -- Have there been more fisticuffs at the Sioux Empire Fair than usual?
Minnehaha County Sheriff's Captain Mike Walsh thinks so.
"Nearly all of them we would call 'mutual combatants'," Walsh said. "In other words, for whatever reasons, they're deciding to get into a fight."
Walsh says he's not aware of any specific cause in the uptick in fistfights at the Fair. He said the usual causes are drugs or alcohol. He also said young men are the ones mixing it up.
However, he says fairgoers are safe. Walsh suggests coming to the Fair earlier rather than later in the day and being aware of your surroundings are ways to help maximize your enjoyment of the event.
Walsh adds that the Fair is patrolled by a strong complement of Sheriff's Deputies and Reserve Police Officers.
The opening of the Fair was delayed from Friday evening to Saturday afternoon because of severe weather. The Fair ends Saturday.