LYNDEN, Wash. -- Organizers of the Northwest Washington Fair are sending a message to gang members: "You are not welcome here!"

The fair in Lynden is taking steps to increase security after last year's gang-related shooting.

Fair organizer Jim Baron says this year, they will be refusing entrance to anyone that police identify as a gang member.



He says the fair in August is a private event and they have the right to deny entry to anyone.

Whatcom County Sheriff's deputies, Lynden Police and private security guards will continually monitor the fairgrounds for any gang activity.

Anyone participating in such activity will be escorted out of the fair or arrested.

Baron says the fair is also substantially increasing its video security to improve safety for fair-goers.