South Plains Fair implements new policies

The South Plains Fair gets underway this weekend with two new features - a clear bag policy, and beer sales.

According to General Manager Jennifer Wallace, big events are implementing similar policies.

Third-party vendors will run a few stations on the fairgrounds. Wallace says it’s the same vendor who does the tailgating at Texas Tech games, so it will be done the safe way.

Wallace says Lubbock is the last fair in Texas to start selling beer. Because of the alcohol sales this year, Wallace is upping security. Instead of the usual 11-12 officers, there will be 18 on the fairgrounds.

While ordering some fried favorites, fairgoers can push some money back into the Lubbock Community. More than 40 nonprofits are busy setting up booths to raise money for their cause. Wallace says the fair helps put about a million dollars back into the community.

Monday-Friday fairgoers can park and get in for free before 1 p.m. Wallace encourages people to grab some lunch and support these nonprofits.

The gates open Thursday night for Buck-a-Ride night with the changes in place. The fair lasts until Saturday, Oct. 1.