Hopefully, the first day of the 2012 Wisconsin State Fair will not end the way the first day of the 2011 Fair did.
Mobs of African American young people went on a rampage, targeting white fairgoers as they left the grounds. Yes, the opening day of the Fair ended with chaos and beatings and violence and hospitalizations.
Video here.
Wisely, the State Fair enacted a curfew policy to protect the crowds from becoming the thugs' prey.
It worked. It was the correct response. There were no more instances of mob violence at the Fair in 2011.
In an effort to prevent history from repeating itself at the 2012 Fair, there will be similar policies in place to maintain order. 
Youth Admission & Other Policies
■ All youth under the age of eighteen (18) years of age are required to be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian (age 21+) to be admitted to the Wisconsin State Fair after 5:00 p.m.
■Any persons entering the Fair Park after 5pm may be asked to show a valid ID with proof of age to be admitted to the Wisconsin State Fair. Any youth under the age of eighteen (18) without a valid driver’s license or state identification card and not accompanied by a parent or guardian will not be admitted after 5:00 p.m.
■Exceptions and challenges to this policy will be at the discretion of Fair Management.
It's extremely unfortunate that good kids have to deal with the restrictions put in place as a result of the thugs' rampage last year.
However, because the mob violence was so horrible and the fear of it happening again is so terrifying, there is no question that the policies are necessary.
They make sense.
The effort is being made to stop violent thugs from ruining the Wisconsin State Fair. That's reassuring.
People of all ages attending the Fair need to feel safe. They need to feel confident that they won't be attacked by some thug without a conscience as they leave the grounds.
Of course, there are no guarantees, but the policies should help authorities maintain control. I trust there will be adequate police presence as well.
No one attending the 161st Wisconsin State Fair should fear being beaten in a racially motivated attack and terrorized. I hope that ugly chapter in our State Fair's history is closed, permanently.
The Fair is a family-friendly, wonderful event. It's for everyone to enjoy.
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