High security expected at Labor Day weekend events

It will be busy Labor Day weekend across Puget Sound.

Not only is the Washington State Fair opening its gates in Puyallup, but both Bumbershoot and PAX West start Friday in Seattle.

Security will be tight at all events.

People coming to Bumbershoot at Seattle Center will not be able to come and go as they please. Once you're in, you can’t leave and return.

Those attending will be screened by a metal detector, similar to what will be done at the State Fair for the first time this year.

The group running Bumbershoot, One Reel, declined to reveal attendance numbers for last year's festival but many said the crowds were noticeably smaller than in years past.

That may be in part due to the lineup or ticket cost, but many also cited not being able to come in and go as they used to be able to in past years.

KIRO 7 talked to fans who were not happy about the policy.

"I was much happier under the old policy where we could leave and eat and they could do the same bag checks and whatever security stuff they need to do when we re-enter. It doesn't make sense,” said Bumbershoot ticket holder Joseph Riley.

Off-camera, a security guard told KIRO 7 that Bumbershoot works with Homeland Security in trying to make the event safe.

Find the lineup of performer's at this year's Bumbershoot at this link.

Among just a few of the events happening this weekend are the Evergreen State Fair in Monroe, the Greenwood Music Crawl, Oak Harbor Music Festival, Dave Matthews band at the Gorge and a Taste of Port Orchard.

Cox Media Group