For more than a decade, Willie Powell of Ontario has been bringing her children and grandchildren to the LA County fair.
"I come mainly for the food, cause I'm not a rider. I don't ride," said Powell. "They have the corn, and then they have the candied apple.”
Monday was Dollar Day -- people could get in for just a dollar. Of the hundreds lined up for the deal, most were unaware that hours earlier a man had been stabbed after an argument inside.
Police have charged two juveniles with the crime, and the victim is recovering at County USC Hospital.
The two minors apparently argued with the victim, according to Pomona Police Lt. Eddie Vazquez, as reported by the LA Times, then one of them stabbed him at 10 p.m.
It was not clear what the fight was about, Vazquez said.
"They should have more security," according to Powell, "but I guess we just have to watch what is going on around us."
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Fair officials say they are taking the situation seriously and are cooperating with police.
On Monday security guards could be seen at the fair, as well as a marked police presence, but one standard procedure seemed to be missing.
"The times I've come before there usually is a bag check," according to Jessica Quintanella, a Corona resident. "This is the first time I've come to this gate to notice they haven't had a bag check."
In fact, people simply strolled in through the turn-style where no security was present.
"Metal detectors are well needed," according to Denisha Thomas, a Redlands resident. "No one could bring in a gun or knives.”
But, late in the afternoon security began checking bags.
For many families, the LA Fair is a tradition, and one act of violence won't mar their efforts to have a good time.
