A suspicious looking plastic pipe with end caps was spotted on the Walworth County fairgrounds and was brought to the attention of fairgrounds security personnel. Elkhorn Police and Walworth County Sheriff’s Office worked with the Walworth County Fair Board and the decision was made to follow existing fairgrounds emergency procedures and clear the area.

After careful examination by the Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office Bomb Squad, it was verified the item was safe and only contained sets of drum sticks. The all clear signal was given at 10:06 PM. 

According to officials, there were a few thousand people at the fair when the evacuation order was issued around 9:15 PM.

When the all clear signal was given at 10:06 PM, the Fair Board decided to close the fair early rather than stay open for another 45 minutes to the scheduled closing time of 11:00 PM. 

No threats had been made to the fair prior to the evacuation. Bands played earlier in the day in the area where the drum sticks were found so officials believe the sticks fell out or were left by a band member.

Those who had ride wristbands are able to bring them to the fair for an extra two hours of ride time.