Chesterfield authorities remind fairgoers of updated policies ahead of county fair

CHESTERFIELD COUNTY, Va. (WRIC) -- The Chesterfield County Sheriff's Office recently sent out a reminder of updated policies and requirements for those attending the Chesterfield County Fair after violent incidents took place last year.

After several fights resulted in four arrests at the 2024 Chesterfield County Fair, organizers implemented multiple new rules, including age-related requirements, bag policies and more.

This year's Chesterfield County Fair is set for Aug. 22 to Aug. 30. Here's an updated guide to the rules and requirements as you plan your visit.

Age requirements for fair entry

• After 6 p.m., no persons under the age of 18 will be allowed into the fair unless they are accompanied by a chaperone who is at least 21 years old
  • Chaperones must have a valid government-issued photo ID with their date of birth
  • One chaperone is allowed to accompany no more than 4 guests aged 18 or younger per day
  • The chaperone must also stay with the entire party during entry and must remain on-site and available by phone throughout their party's visit
  • Guests who are 18 years old or younger who are found inside the fairgrounds without a chaperone will be asked to leave starting at 6 p.m.
• For guests 16 years of age or older, they may be asked to provide a valid, government-issued photo ID with their date of birth upon entry to verify their age.
  • If this cannot be provided, the individual will be asked to leave the fairgrounds

Clothing requirements

• Anyone wearing "questionable clothing, including but not limited to gang colors/clothing and/or masks of any kind," will not be admitted to the fair
• Anyone found wearing such clothing on-site will be removed from the fair, with no refunds provided

Clear bag policy

• Chesterfield County Fair Association (CCFA) encourages visitors not to bring any bags to the fair -- but if they do, that bag must adhere to the following style and size guide:
  • Bags that are clear plastic, vinyl or PVC and do not exceed 12-by-6-by-12 inches in size
  • Small purses or clutch bags no larger than 12-by-6-by-12 inches in size, in addition to one of the clear plastic bags
  • One-gallon clear plastic freezer bags (Ziploc bag or similar) are permitted
• Items that are not allowed:
  • Coolers
  • Briefcases
  • Non-clear backpacks
  • Non-clear fanny packs
  • Non-clear cinch bags
  • Luggage of any kind
  • Computer bags
  • Camera or binocular bags
  • Any non-clear bag larger than the permissible size.
• Exceptions to bag policies will be made for medically necessary items and diaper bags, after inspection