HARRISON – Selectmen discussed security issues at the annual Harrison Old Home Days at their meeting Tuesday, in response to a brawl Friday night at the fair.

Sgt. Tom Williams of Cumberland County Sheriff’s Department had reported that several security personnel at the fair “appeared to be intoxicated.”

“As town selectmen, town fathers, we should address that issue,” said Selectman Don Woolley. “If we know they do drink out there, we have to put a stop to it.” He went on to note that the Oxford and Fryeburg fairs are responsible for providing their own security and that “fights break out at every fair.”

Selectman Susan Searles-Gazza explained that Cumberland County, with whom Harrison contracts for coverage, including an extra deputy for summer coverage, charges an extra $1,500 to provide security at an event. Old Home Days is a nonprofit event, which donates its proceeds to nonprofit organizations in the area. The committee provided its own security, but could not afford to pay Cumberland for extra coverage.

“I’ve been involved in Old Home Days for a good many years,” said Selectman Sheila Smith, who was one of the security personnel provided by the fair. “We had as much security as we have had in other years. When the incident took place there was a police officer who wasn’t 1,000 feet away.”

“It’s not our fault that some kids decide this is going to be gang turf,” Searles-Gazza said. “Why should that element spoil something that is a good thing?”

Town Manager Michael Thorne has asked Cumberland County to include security for Old Home Days in its contract for next year. Selectmen tabled signing the contract, pending response to Thorne’s request.

Searles-Gazza distributed copies of curfew ordinances from other towns for selectmen to review. Harrison currently has a curfew ordinance which forbids anyone aged 17 and under from being on the streets between 11 p.m. and 6 a.m. At their next meeting, selectmen will discuss possible changes to the curfew.