Fair announces safety and security changes

Spencer, Iowa – Keeping their safety and security in mind, fairgoers can expect several changes at the 2022 Clay County Fair powered by SMU, September 10-18.

“For more than 100 years, the Fair has been a safe and welcoming environment for all of our guests,” said Fair Manager Jeremy Parsons. “While that continues to be our top priority, we must also make changes to maintain that environment in a world that is changing outside of our gates.”

To better secure the Fairgrounds, public access to the Fair will be available during the following times at the following gates:

·        Gate A – 7:00am-11:00pm (4th Avenue West Historic White Tower Gate)

·        Gate C – 7:00am-11:00pm (4th Avenue West)

·        Gate D – 7:00am-11:00pm (Sacred Heart Church)

·        Gate E – Open 24 hours (11th Avenue West)

·        Gate G – 7:00am-11:00pm (West 18th Street)

“I think everyone would agree that limiting overnight access to one gate is a definite improvement in security,” said Parsons. “At the same time, we will be flexible. If a Grandstand show runs late or the carnival remains open later, we will not limit access to those gates until all of the fairgoers are off of the fairgrounds.”

The Fair is also working to eliminate pedestrian and vehicle traffic entering the Fair at the same locations. To minimize pedestrian and vehicle crossover traffic, Gate C will be a vehicle entrance only. Pedestrians wishing to walk into the Fair will be asked to use Gate A.

“By making this change, the Fair can safely get pedestrians across the intersection of Gate C and up to Gate A on a sidewalk rather than the pedestrians walking up the same driveway being used by vehicles,” he said. “We’ve had numerous near-accidents over the years.”

Parsons also reminded fairgoers of other safety and security policies that are in place each year:

·        No person other than authorized law enforcement personnel are allowed to bring a firearm or deadly weapon onto the Clay County Fairgrounds. Firearms are prohibited with or without a valid Iowa permit to carry.

·        No pets are allowed with the exception of Fair entries (livestock shows) or service dogs.

·        The following items are prohibited from being carried into the Fair: remote devices, drones, bikes, segways, skateboards, roller blades, hover boards, laser pointers, fireworks, and illegal substances.

·        The Fair reserves the right to search all bags, backpacks, coolers, purses, containers etc. upon entry to the Clay County Fairgrounds and upon request while on the Clay County Fairgrounds.

·        The Fair will conduct bag checks and security screenings at selected Grandstand events during the Fair. Please allow additional time for those bag checks and screenings.

For more information the Fair’s safety and security procedures, please visit https://claycountyfair.com/visit-the-fair/guest-services/.

About The Clay County Fair & Events Center Rooted in Tradition, the Clay County Fair & Events Center is a year-round facility that annually hosts more than 300 events, including its signature event, the Clay County Fair powered by SMU. Known as “The World’s Greatest County Fair” since 1917, the Fair attracts more than 300,000 guests each September for nine days of world-class entertainment, competition, food, fun, and the largest farm machinery show at any fair in the United States. Additional information can be found at www.claycountyfair.com.

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