LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Several people were arrested at the Kentucky State Fair, which closed early Saturday night after suspicious activity was reported to law enforcement, authorities said.

In a statement Sunday afternoon, Kentucky State Police confirmed they received an initial report at approximately 9:20 pm on Aug. 20 of a disturbance in front of the Midway Area on Kentucky State Fair grounds. The Kentucky State Fair Board initiated a soft close of the fair out of an abundance of caution for event attendees. 

The initial investigation indicates that a group of individuals caused panic with noise-making devices, which led fair-goers to believe shots has been fired. KSP investigators have not yet found physical evidence that a weapon was discharged during the disruption but the investigation is still ongoing. 

KSP confirmed that nine people were arrested on Saturday night — three adults and six minors. All of the individuals arrested resided in Jefferson Country. The charges include disorderly conduct, menacing, possession of stolen property and possession of a handgun. 

The identities of the people who were arrested have not been made public.

The fair will resumed with normal operations on Sunday, officials said.

The Kentucky State Fair, which began Thursday, is an annual multi-day event held at the Kentucky Exposition Center in Louisville. In 2019, the Kentucky State Fair Board revised the attendance policy, requiring fairgoers under 18 years old to be accompanied by a parent or guardian 21 years old or older after 6 p.m. They also increased lighting through the fair grounds and law enforcement presence during peak hours to promote safety.