The following Adams County Agricultural Society (ACAS)/ Adams County Fairgrounds(ACF) rules and regulations are intended to facilitate the safety and enjoyment of all ACF guests, participants, volunteers, contractors, and employees. The ACAS reserves the right to interpret the rules and regulations and determine all matters pertaining there to; also the right to amend or add such rules as warranted. Failure to comply with the ACAS rules and regulations may lead to expulsion from the fairgrounds.
Attire.Policy 5:2018:1
All fairgoers and rodeo attendees are requested to dress appropriately for a family atmosphere. We also ask that you dress with potential risk in mind when riding rides or other conveyance on the grounds. Shoes and shirt are required.
Auxiliary Vehicles (AVs). Policy 5:2018:2
During Nebraska High School Rodeo Finals, Fairfest, and The Oregon Trail Rodeo all Auxiliary Vehicles must have permits. Auxiliary vehicles, including but not limited to, golf carts, service carts, utility vehicles, cushmans, off road vehicles and other four-wheeled vehicles UTV/ATV. All AVs used in connection with the Adams County Fairgrounds ("ACF") are required to have a Adams County Agricultural Society (ACAS) issued operation permit while on the ACF grounds, parking lots, and campground. Permits are required during move-in, the ACF, and move-out. Permits are only issued for AVs that serve to advance the operation of the ACF or that provide a service to ACF vendors, exhibitors, administration staff, etc. Permits are not issued to the general fair-going public.
The following requirements exist in order to receive an AV permit:
- The Fair office must have a proof of liability insurance ($1,000,000) for all vehicles before a permit can be issued.
- Drivers must be 16 years or older with a valid driver's license. Must have copy filed with fair office.
- Permit must be displayed on vehicle and be visible.
- NO more than the allotted number of people can ride on the vehicle than the available seating
- Lights must be on the front and rear with proper intensity and must be operating after dark.
- Sign and abide by the ACAS/ACF Auxiliary Vehicle Rules and Regulations Agreement, which includes a pedestrian always have the right of way.
- Pay a $25.00 Permit Fee.
- The following do not need to register their golf cart or ATV:
- Fair Maintenance-Staff
- Garbage Collectors
- Adams County Agricultural Society Board of Directors
- Personal handicap carts
- All emergency vehicles are Exempt. (If we get people to park vehicles they might need to be Exempt too)
AVs without a permit will not be allowed on ACF grounds at any time. ACAS/ACF and ACAS Contracted Security each have the authority to revoke AV permits, impound any AV issued by the ACAS and ACAS Contracted Security, and require any privately owned AVs to be removed from the ACF grounds, in their sole discretion.
Dog and Pet. Policy 5:2018:3
The following policy is in place not only for the safety of our visitors, but for the welfare of the animals.
- No pets are permitted on the Adams County Fairgrounds during the Fair. This includes, but is not limited to, dogs, cats, ferrets, reptiles, primates, etc. and pertains to all ACF guests, exhibitors, vendors, staff, and partners. Individuals found with pet will be asked to remove them-from the Fairgrounds. Animals are not to be left unattended in vehicles in the parking lot under any circumstances. The authorities will be notified of any animals found unattended in vehicles. Dogs that are part of an attraction, exhibit or demonstration will be permitted. Dogs must be kept under leash control of the owner. The owner of any dog found running free or posing a threat to the safety and enjoyment of other ACF guests, will be asked to remove the dog from the fairgrounds.
- Dogs will be permitted in the ACF grounds but NOT in Buildings even when the Fair is not going on. Dogs must be kept under leash control of the owner. Animals are not to be left unattended in RVs or other camping units that do not have air conditioning. Animals are not to be left unattended outside of the owner's RV or other camping units. The owner of any dog found running free or posing a threat to the safety and enjoyment of other ACF guests, will be asked to remove the dog from the fairgrounds. The ACF office can provide a list of area pet shelters, if needed.
- Dogs or miniature horses that meet the ADA definition of a "service animal" will be permitted. The ADA defines a service animal as:
"Dogs that are individually trained to do work or perform tasks for people with disabilities. Examples of such work or tasks include guiding people who are blind, alerting people who are deaf, pulling a wheelchair, alerting and protecting a person who is having a seizure, reminding a person with mental illness to take prescribed medications, calming a person with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) during an anxiety attack, or performing other duties. Service animals are working animals, not pets. The work or task a dog has been trained to provide must be directly related to a person's disability. Dogs whose sole function is to provide comfort or emotional support do not qualify as service animals under the ADA.”
"Miniature horses that have been individually trained to do work or perform tasks for people with disabilities.”
- Service Animals must be kept under the control of the owner.” Under the ADA, service animals must be harnessed, leashed, or tethered, unless these devices interfere with the service animal's work or the individual's disability prevents using these devices. In that case, the individual must maintain control of the animal through voice, signal, or other effective controls.”
*For full ADA service animal requirements, please visit www.ada.gov.
All animals on the ACAS/ACF grounds must be current on all vaccinations as required by state law and are required to have veterinary papers on hand as proof of current vaccinations.
Cameras and Recording Devices. Policy 5:2018:4
Cameras and Recording Devices are encouraged throughout the ACF. There are select areas and events in which cameras and recording devices are prohibited. Professional cameras and recording devices are not permitted at ACF concerts unless approved by the ACAS and the artist's management.
Conduct. Policy 5:2018:5
We ask that you conduct yourself in a fashion suitable for family-oriented fun. Disorderly conduct, actions that cause public disruption and behavior that endangers other fair guests will not be permitted. This includes, but is not limited to, foul or abusive language, fighting, taunting, threatening, and intoxication due to illegal drug use or alcohol consumption. Unlawful possession of alcohol, narcotics, or illegal substances is prohibited on the Adams County Fairgrounds.
UAV (Drone) Policy. Policy 5:2018:6
The operation or use of any drones, unmanned aircraft/flying systems, and remotely controlled or radio controlled flying machines (whether or not motorized) of all types, shapes, and sizes (collectively "drones") at any time on the Adams County Fairgrounds is prohibited under all circumstances except pursuant to the terms and conditions of written permissions from the Adams County Agricultural Society/Fairgrounds Manager. This policy applies to all individuals, person, companies, and business entities and includes, but not necessarily limited to, promoters, tenants, renters, patrons, visitors, and guests. Permissions to stay or remain on the Adams County Fairgrounds property may, in the discretion of the Adams County Ag Society Directors/Fairgrounds Manager, be revoked for any person(s) in violation of the policy.
Food/Alcohol. Policy 5:2018:7
Food, non-alcoholic beverages, coolers, and picnic baskets are permitted. Bringing alcohol onto the Adams County Fairgrounds, parking lots, or campground is prohibited. Alcoholic beverages may be consumed only in designated areas by individuals of legal drinking age.
Image and Likeness. Policy 5:2018:8
By entering the Adams County Fairgrounds, you hereby consent to the reproduction and use of your photograph, image, voice or a reproduction thereof, either in whole or in part for any and all advertising, promotional and publicity purposes without limitation or reservation.
Liability. Policy 5:2018:9
Fairgoers entering the Adams County Fairgrounds do so at their own risk.
Due diligence will be used to insure the safety of animals or articles of exhibit, but the ACAS/ACF expressly refuses to assume any liability for injuries to any person or damage to any property because of accidents, theft, fire, the elements, and other conditions. No claims for injury to any person or damage to property shall be asserted or suit instituted or maintained against the ACAS/ACF, its officers, agents, or employees by any person having the privilege to exhibit or license to operate on the ACAS/ACF grounds or occupying a space thereon.
Lost or Stolen Items. Policy 5:2018:10
The ACAS is not responsible for lost or stolen articles in cars or on the person attending the Adams County Fair. Lost and Found, during the fair, is located at the ACF Administration Office. Items will be kept until December 31, following the Fair.
Pedestrian Right-of-way. Policy 5:2018:11
When walking on or about any street, sidewalk or other area generally open to the public on the Adams County Fairgrounds, pedestrians shall at all times have the right-of-way as against all vehicles, other than identified emergency vehicles. Drivers of all vehicles, other than identified emergency vehicles, shall yield the right-of-way to any and all pedestrians on the Adams County Fairgrounds.
Smoking. Policy 5:2018:12
In accordance with the 2008 Nebraska Clean Indoor Air Act, smoking is prohibited in all buildings. In addition, please refrain from smoking within 20 feet of building entrances, in the Ed Shed, in the Park and in the Outdoor Concert Area.
Subject to inspection. Policy 5:2018:13
Durning Nebraska High School Rodeo Finals, Fairfest, and The Oregon Trail Rodeo all items are subject to inspection including, but not limited to, purses, backpacks, briefcases, suitcases, athletic bags, duffel bags, coolers, ice chests, picnic baskets, diaper bags, strollers, packages, containers, your person and any other items capable of concealing prohibited items. Please leave all unnecessary items at home or in your car. These inspections can be done by, Adams County Agricultural Society Board, ACAS Contracted Security and by Local and State Police Officers.
Weapons. Policy 5:2018:14
Durning Nebraska High School Rodeo Finals, Fairfest, and The Oregon Trail Rodeo guns are strictly prohibited on the Adams County Fairgrounds during the Fair or Rodeos. Guns are prohibited, with or without a valid Nebraska Concealed Handgun Permit. The ACAS is the controlling entity of the fairgrounds property, throughout the duration of the fair and rodeos, including the set-up and tear-down period. As allowed per the 2006 Nebraska Concealed Handgun Permit Act (LB454), section 15.2, the ACAS prohibits permit-holders from possessing or carrying a concealed handgun in or on the place or premise of the ACAS grounds, which includes, but is not limited to, the buildings, parking lots, campground and fairgrounds. Unless otherwise authorized by law, violation of this prohibition is a criminal offense. Failure to comply with this rule shall be cause for expulsion from the fairgrounds and/or being charged under Nebraska Law.
As per the Nebraska Concealed Handgun Permit Act (LB454), Section 3.5, a "Permit-holders means an individual holding a current and valid permit to carry a concealed handgun issued pursuant to the Concealed Handgun Permit Act.”
With the approval of ACAS board and ACF management, weapons that are part of an attraction, exhibit or demonstration will be permitted. Weapons must remain in the immediate event/exhibit area. Live ammo is not permitted.