In a sign of where America’s psyche is toward violence in public places, the Mississippi State Fair in Jackson became a place of panic Friday night when fair goers mistook popping balloons for gunfire.

Balloons apparently popped at the same time as an altercation erupted, the combination of which caused people to panic, the Hinds County Sheriff’s Office said.

People fleeing the area were injured in the confused panic. Approximately 30 people were treated for their injuries, most of which were minor cuts and bruises.