Fairfield County Fairgrounds "...weapon free facility"

[docachna]

Ran across a Fakebook ad today for a cruise-in at the Fairfield County Fairgrounds in Lancaster this weekend (I used to live in Lancaster). It's usually a pretty good cruise-in, if you're into that sorta thing.

Across the bottom it stated:

"THE FAIRFIELD COUNTY FAIRGROUNDS IS A DRUG, ALCOHOL AND WEAPON FREE FACILITY"

I cannot locate the thread, but I had thought this issue had been resolved with the Fair Board a number of years ago (since I'm not in OH anymore, I haven't gotten by to see any CPZ signs that might be posted). As I recall, the Fair Board had conceded that they could only prohibit carry in buildings on the property.

Anybody doing compliance that might be able to give the Fair Board a ringy-ding-ding ?

[3FULLMAGS+1]

I knw this thread was started mid. June and there have been no responses.
If i'm correct, this fair is registered with the state of Oh. , as an Agricultural Society, meaning it's a political sub-division, and can NOT have a gun law that's stricter than state law.
Problem is, most fair boards post anyway and get away with it until someone pushes the issue and carries . I suspect the fair board is posting in an attemp to intimidate those who carry, but don't know the laws, and thus won't take the chance.
Yes, you may get arrested, but you will prevail, but you still may take the ride to jail anyway.

The other possibility , is that the persons holding the cruise in , may have leased the grounds for the event and CAN legally have that policy, (which I highly doubt).

[JustaShooter]

The other possibility , is that the persons holding the cruise in , may have leased the grounds for the event and CAN legally have that policy, (which I highly doubt).

I'm pretty sure that is the case for these types of events. They are normally put on by private organizations who lease the fairgrounds.

[3FULLMAGS+1]

The other possibility , is that the persons holding the cruise in , may have leased the grounds for the event and CAN legally have that policy, (which I highly doubt).

I'm pretty sure that is the case for these types of events. They are normally put on by private organizations who lease the fairgrounds.

Second thought , your probably right.
Who knows though, the fair board may be "telling" them they can't allow firearms, (like they do to fair goers during the fair), and the organization agrees to it.....just say'in....wouldn't put it past a fair board.

[docachna]

Emailed the Agricultural Society, asking if they have a formal firearms policy, and if so, to send a copy.

We'll see what (if anything) we hear.

[docachna]

Emailed the Agricultural Society, asking if they have a formal firearms policy, and if so, to send a copy.

We'll see what (if anything) we hear.

Got tired of waiting for an e-mail response, and finally called. A very nice lady informed me in a regretful tone of voice that they had "tried to ban guns, but were told" they could not do so.

That's right. You can't. So, long story short, the bad guys who come in strapped, and who don't give a damn about your rules anyway, now have to worry about whether they're pulling a piece on the wrong walking target.

So, just in case some misguided soul tries to tell you it's contrary to law to carry at the Fairfield County Fairgrounds (as I have personally witnessed) - not so. Now, OPEN CARRY ? While I suspect it is also legal, I don't personally recommend it, primarily for strategic reasons, but that's strictly my own opinion. YMMV....

Anyway - if you're going to Lancaster for the fair - CARRY ON !!!!

[Brian D.]

So in over two months that Fair Board / Agricultural Society was unable (more likely unwilling) to respond to your email inquiry? Color me not surprised. Figured they'd outwait you and the whole discussion would get pushed back another year.