MANATEE COUNTY FAIR POLICIES
Welcome to the Manatee County Fair (“Fair”). To ensure a safe and enjoyable experience, please respect the following rules:
1.General Health and Safety
The Fair encourages frequent handwashing for all employees and guests, reminding everyone of the importance of frequently washing their hands with soap and water for 20 seconds. If soap and water are not readily available, use a hand sanitizer.
The Fair provides easy-to-access handwashing or hand sanitizer/hygiene stations in locations such as: on entry, in key walkways, at attractions, in food and beverage locations, in merchandise shops, at attraction exits, etc.
COVID exposure is an inherent risk in any public location where people are present. Guests should only attend after evaluating their own health risks. Purchase of a ticket and entry on to the Fairgrounds constitutes your understanding of these risks and your willingness to undertake the risk of exposure.
2.Prohibited Items on the Fairgrounds
The following items shall not be brought onto on the Fairgrounds unless specifically authorized:
Exceptions to the above prohibitions are limited to:
- Firearms carried by law enforcement officials and persons authorized by law to carry firearms in a manner authorized by law.
- Prohibited items that have been permitted by the Manatee River Fair Association, Inc. by virtue of a signed agreement.
- Prescription medications necessary for licensees and contractors to perform their duties, when they possess the authorizing lawful prescriptions.
- Lawfully authorized prescription medication for patrons and;
- Such prohibited items expressly permitted in writing by the Fair Manager or the Fair Manager’s designee.
3.Prohibited Activities.
Pursuant to Section 616.185, Florida Statutes, entering and remaining upon any grounds or facilities owned, operated, or controlled by the Fair and committing any act that disrupts the orderly conduct of any authorized activity of the Fair , or its lessees, licensees, or the general public on those grounds or facilities; or entering and remaining upon any grounds or facilities owned, operated, or controlled by the Fair that disrupts the orderly conduct of any authorized activity of the Fair , or its lessees, licensees, or the general public on those grounds or facilities; or entering and remaining on those grounds or facilities after being directed not to enter or to leave them by the Fair Manager, or any officer or director of the Association, to maintain order on those grounds and facilities, after a determination by the Fair Manager, officer, or director that the entering or remaining on those grounds or facilities is in violation of the rules and regulations of the Fair or is disrupting the orderly conduct of any authorized activity of the Fair, or its lessees,
licensees, or the general public on those grounds or facilities; constitutes trespass. A law enforcement officer may arrest any person on or off the premises, without a warrant, if the officer has probable cause for believing such person has committed the offense of trespass upon the grounds of the Fair. Such an arrest does not render the law enforcement officer criminally or civilly liable for false arrest, false imprisonment, or unlawful detention.
4.First Amendment Policy
It is the policy of the Fair to allow free speech activity whenever said activity is not inconsistent with the normal operations or activities of the Manatee County Fairgrounds. However, due to the unique nature of the activities at the Fair, there is limited access necessitating creation of First Amendment Activity Zones. The Fair specifically finds that the building and grounds comprising the Manatee County Fairgrounds are generally surrounded by parking areas under the control of the Fair, which areas become congested with numerous vehicles during the annual Fair and other events. The Fair further finds that pedestrian traffic is generally confined to narrow walkways to and from these parking areas to the various gates at Manatee County Fairgrounds and the First Amendment Activity Zones are designed to balance the interests by those engaged in First Amendment Activity with the Fair’s interest in providing reasonable and safe access to the patrons.
The implementation of this policy is not meant to concede that the parking lots, walkways, and grounds of the Fair are public fora. This policy seeks to apply reasonable time, place, and manner restrictions to petitioning, free speech, and other forms of expression under the First Amendment. All persons engaged in First Amendment activities on the Manatee County Fairgrounds are expected to comply with this policy.
Definitions:
"First Amendment Activities" are defined to mean the "conduct by a speaker which has purpose that is constitutionally protected, including the distribution and dissemination of expressive, non-commercial, material" and "petitioning," which is defined below.
"Petitioning" is defined to mean "any conduct by which a petitioner or petition signature-gatherer obtains signatures for any petition which has been duly filed."
"Commercial activity" is defined to mean "the solicitation of money or other contributions, other than political contributions, or distributing commercial advertising or promotional material or any kind or offering samples of items which are or will be sold, available for sale, or available in exchange for a donation or contribution, or engaging in any activity for economic gain or motive."
“Locations” or “First Amendment Activity Zones”: The terms "Locations" and "First Amendment Activity Zones" as used herein are defined to mean the places which the Fair, has designated for the exercise of First Amendment activities on Manatee County Fairgrounds. The location of the First Amendment Activity Zone shall be determined and located annually by the Fair.
The Fair reserves the right to place a sign or signs in the areas adjacent to the designated First Amendment Zone stating that the activities in which the speaker is engaging are not sanctioned, condoned, or endorsed by the Fair.
Any organization or individuals seeking to engage in First Amendment Activities shall ensure their conduct and the use of any signs, banners, or other devices do not result in injuries to patrons or property; persons engaged in First Amendment Activities shall comply with the following restrictions on time, place and manner:
Time Restrictions for First Amendment Activities:
First Amendment activities may occur during the open hours of the Fair and when the Fair facilities are licensed to third parties. Because of security, safety, and cost concerns, First Amendment activities are not permitted at any other times.
On-site Registration: Organizations or individuals desiring to engage in First Amendment Activities on the Manatee County Fairgrounds must register with the Fair at least 24 hours prior to the planned First Amendment Activity. The purpose of the Fair registration is not to censor in any way or review discretionarily the content of the speech involved, but to allow sufficient opportunity for the Fair to assign space for First Amendment Activities and to provide the participants with copies of the rules governing the use of First Amendment Activities zones. Registration will be granted on a first-come, first serve basis. A request for registration may be made at least 24 hours prior to the planned First Amendment Activity, but not more than 15 days prior to the planned First Amendment Activity at the Fair. Interested parties should apply at the Administration Offices of the Manatee County Fair, 1303 13th Avenue West, Palmetto, Florida 34221. Information to be provided shall include, but is not limited to:
•The date and time of the planned event;
•The nature of the planned activity;
•The approximate number of persons proposed to be involved; and
- A designated contact person, including a means of communication of said person such as an address, email, or phone number.
- An individual may not advertise, canvass solicit, or disseminate written materials in any location outside of the admission gates within the entire Manatee County Fairgrounds, including the parking areas, of the Fair, except as provided by this rule.
- An individual may register for a First Amendment Activity by submitting a registration form prepared by the Fair. The individual must submit the form to the Fair at least 24 hours before beginning any advertisement, canvassing, or soliciting, or dissemination of written materials but not earlier than 15 days. If the form is submitted on behalf of a person that is not an individual, the registration form shall identify a lead individual and may identify up to nine other individuals who will participate in advertising, canvassing, soliciting, or disseminating information. For registration purposes, only the lead individual is considered registered and approved by the Fair. All other members identified will become registered and approved once they are properly briefed by an authorized designee of the Fair on the rules for non-solicitation.
- Registration for non-lead individuals can occur before or on the day that the group is scheduled to engage in advertising, canvassing, soliciting, and disseminating information.
- Each lead registrant may setup one table in the First Amendment Activity Zone. The tabletop must be no longer than six feet. A registrant shall be present at the table at all times. The table may be set up no more than 30 minutes before the Fair or other event opens its admission gates for the day and must be removed no later than 30 minutes after the Fair or other event closes for the night.
- A registrant may not use a sound device, including but not limited to a bullhorn or other sound amplifying device that creates sufficient volume to be heard more than 20 feet from the registrant.
- A registrant may not sell or advertise any merchandise or service.
- A registrant may not advertise, solicit, canvass or disseminate information to an individual in or on a motor vehicle or at any location within a parking lot.
- A registrant may not advertise, canvass, solicit or disseminate written materials in any location inside Fair's admission gates, or in any exhibit space assigned to an exhibitor space by the Manatee River Fair Association, Inc. The Fair assigns commercial exhibit spaces within an exhibit area for a fee.
In evaluating the registration, the Fair will not discriminate on the basis of content of ideas or beliefs. The Fair may, however, require certain individuals or organization to maintain a reasonable distance from other individuals or organizations, if there is reasonable belief in the minds of the employees of the Fair that there may be conflict among or between various individuals or groups, or if groups with competing views or incompatible philosophies have requested use of the same general area on the same date and during the same hours.
A registrant may not use unprotected speech, in any manner, such as fighting words or obscenities. Within the Manatee County Fairgrounds, no individual shall
participate in loud, rude or unreasonable behavior; disturb the public peace; make threatening comments, actions or gestures towards others; obstruct the use and enjoyment of any facility, area or event; act in a disorderly manner; or participate in any behavior or activity which in the opinion of the Fair Manager or the Fair Manager’s designee may affect the safety or well-being of any person attending the Fair or a Fair licensed event.
Manner restrictions for First Amendment Activities (Non-solicitation policy):
5.ADA & Service Animals
During the Manatee County Fair, pets or animals are not allowed on the Manatee County Fairgrounds, with the exception of service animals, as defined in the ADA, or animals approved as part of an exhibition. Service dogs are those that have been individually trained to do work or perform tasks for a person with a disability. Service animals are working animals, not pets.
6.Miscellaneous
Persons entering the Fair are subject to having their image and/or likeness reproduced for promotional and/or publicity purposes in Fair, Sponsor or Media photography, video, broadcasts and/or webcasts. Shirts and shoes are required to be worn at all times. Smoking is not allowed in indoor facilities, including e-cigarettes. Persons entering a facility assume all risks incidental to the event.
7.Resales of Admission Ticket Policy
No person shall offer to resell, or solicit the resale of any ticket for entry to the Fair or for any event or amusement at the Manatee County Fair. Any person engaged in such activities will be directed to cease and desist; and failure to do so may result in removal from the Fair and/or possible arrest.
8.Security Measures
All persons, bags, backpacks, purses, and other items may be subject to screening/security checks upon entry to the Manatee County Fairgrounds.
The Fair reserves the right to deny admission, prevent entry or require a person already admitted to leave the Manatee County Fairgrounds, or any part thereof, without refund, liability or compensation, for failure to comply with Florida and local laws, as well as any of these rules, for unsafe, illegal or offensive behavior, to ensure safety, security or order, or the Fair or its agents consider that the circumstances otherwise so require, in its sole and absolute discretion.
The Fair may from time to time, in its sole and absolute discretion, without prior notice and without refund, liability or compensation, change the operating hours of the Fair, close the Fairgrounds, or any part of it temporarily, as circumstances so require.