Hundreds Hold Peaceful Protest Outside Minnesota State Fair

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) - Several hundred demonstrators have held a peaceful Black Lives Matter protest outside the gates of the Minnesota State Fair.

Protesters gathered at the fair's Snelling Avenue entrance Saturday for speeches by organizers of Black Lives Matter St. Paul. Organizers called for body cameras on all city police officers.

Reports say demonstrators started their day with a one-and-a-half mile march from Hamline Park. They were escorted by police on bikes and horses.

At one point, the group deviated from its announced route and gathered in front of the gates on Como Avenue. Some protesters tried to enter the fair, but were stopped.

Organizer Rashad Turner says he hopes the fair protest will bring wider awareness of racial disparities, poverty and police community relations.