ADMISSION AND ENTRY POLICY AND SCREENING PROCEDURES

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Please help us keep the Fair safe and fun for all!

 

The Delaware State Fair is and has always been a private entity. The Delaware State Fairgrounds is private property under the jurisdiction of the Delaware State Police.

 

Before being permitted to enter the fairgrounds, all patrons, vendors, exhibitors, volunteers and employees will be screened for any weapons or prohibited items by the Fair’s use of walk-through metal detectors that will be in use at all public entry gates (Main Gate, Gate 2, Gate 3 and Gate 7). The Fair will be utilizing the most technologically advanced weapons detection system known as “OpenGate by CEIA.” As such, initial screening will not require separation from outerwear garments, wallets, purses, backpacks, bags, strollers nor the removal of the contents of any pockets.

 

Should a walk-through metal detector or any security official identify the need for further screening, the Fair reserves the right to conduct additional screening of the fairgoer and their bags as a condition of gaining entry or maintaining admitted status on the fairgrounds.

 

PROHIBITED ITEMS

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1. WEAPONS

Weapons of any kind or objects that appear to be weapons are prohibited and may not be brought onto the fairgrounds. Regardless of whether you are licensed to carry or not, all concealed or open carry forms of firearms whether registered or unregistered, machine guns, rifles including semi-automatics, shotguns, antique firearms, black powder rifles, black powder shotguns, or any muzzle-loading firearms, and/or other weapons including but not limited to any variety of knife (see exception below), switchblade, electronic dart gun, electronic stun gun, cane sword, club, billy, blackjack, bludgeon, plastic knuckles, metal knuckles, chukka sick, sandclub, sap, wrist-brace type slingshot or slingshot, shuriken or "Kung Fu star", razor, imitation pistol, or any other dangerous or deadly instrument or weapon (or an imitation thereof that could be reasonably mistaken for a deadly instrument or weapon) are prohibited within the gates of the fairgrounds.

 

EXCEPTIONS:

  A. SMALL POCKETKNIVES: Non-locking folding pocketknife or jackknife with a blade no longer than two and one-half inches. Anyone seeking to enter the fairgrounds with a pocketknife or jackknife that meets the dimensions described above, must display the knife in a folded condition to the security officer staffing the screening devices before proceeding through the first weapons detector; and

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  B. OFF-DUTY LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICERS: Off-duty law enforcement officers currently employed by any of the following law enforcement agencies: (1) the Delaware State Police; or (2) New Castle County Police Department; or (3) any Delaware municipal police force; or (4) DNREC officers (Fish and Wildlife, Natural Resource, Parks & Recreation & Environmental Protection); or (5) Probation & Parole (sworn officers); and (6) agents of the State Division of Alcohol and Tobacco Enforcement; or (7) Delaware State Fire Marshals; or (8) Federal FBI, US Marshal or Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms (ATF) agents will be allowed to carry a concealed firearm provided that they show their badge and law enforcement ID to the security officer staffing the screening devices before proceeding through the first weapons detector.

 

This exception does not include: (a) current or former members of the military; or (2) former law enforcement officials; or (3) law enforcement officials from any jurisdiction outside the State of Delaware.

 

2. OTHER PROHIBITED ITEMS

• Illegal drugs, substances and related paraphernalia; and

• Alcohol of any kind except for alcohol lawfully possessed and consumed in the campground areas and alcohol purchased and consumed within the concert venue and the Roost; and

• Pets (except service animals permitted under the Americans with Disabilities Act - ADA); and

• Skateboards, hoverboards, roller skates, bicycles, inline skates, foot-powered or electric scooters; and

• Bull horns, air horns, megaphones or similar noise makers or voice amplification devices; and

• Drones, UAVs, UASs or any type of remote-controlled craft, car or truck; and

• Fireworks, sparklers or explosives; and

• Laser pointers; and

• Offensive messages on clothing; and

• Flags, signs, apparel or any objects bearing the image of the confederate flag; and

• Gang-related clothes, colors, signs and jewelry; and

• Any form of apparel including face masks meant to conceal the wearer’s identity.

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Those entering the fairgrounds will have the opportunity to discard any prohibited items at the security screening area or return the item(s) to their vehicle before entry. Prohibited items turned over to security at the ;me of entry will be considered confiscated and will not be returned.

 

Rev. 6.9.23