Rules

Nebraska State Fair (NSF) rules and regulations are intended to facilitate the safety and enjoyment of all NSF guests, participants, volunteers, contractors, and employees.  NSF reserves the right to interpret the rules and regulations and determine all matters pertaining thereto; also, the right to amend or add such rules as warranted. Failure to comply with the NSF rules and regulations may lead to expulsion from the fairgrounds.

Attire

All fairgoers 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, shirts, and pants are all required.

Auxiliary Vehicles (AVs)

Auxiliary vehicles, including but not limited to, golf carts, service carts, utility vehicles, Gator, Scout, Polaris, and other four-wheeled vehicles (individually an “AV,” collectively, “AVs”) are included within the scope of the Auxiliary Vehicle Rules & Regulations Agreement (“Agreement”). All AVs used in connection with the Nebraska State Fair (“NSF”) are required to have an NSF issued operation permit while on the NSF grounds, parking lots, and campground. Permits are required during move-in, the NSF, and move-out. Permits are only issued for AVs that serve to advance the operation of the NSF or that provide a service to NSF vendors, exhibitors, administration staff, etc. Permits are not issued to the general fair-going public.

*See NSF Auxiliary Vehicle Rules and Regulations Agreement for further information.

Cameras and Recording Devices

Cameras and recording devices are encouraged throughout the NSF. There are select areas and events in which cameras and recording devices are prohibited. Professional cameras and recording devices are not permitted at NSF concerts unless approved by the NSF and the artist’s management.

Camping is NOT permitted outside of the Campground

Parking lots and other areas shall not be used for the purpose of camping/lodging. Camping sites are available in the Campground on a first come, first served basis, starting in January each year. Check the website www.statefair.org under Plan Your Visit.

Conduct

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 NSF grounds.

Dog and Pet

The following policy is in place not only for the safety of our visitors, but for the welfare of the animals.

1. No pets are permitted on the NSF grounds. This includes, but is not limited to, dogs, cats, ferrets, reptiles, primates, etc., and pertains to all NSF guests, exhibitors, vendors, staff, and partners. Individuals found with pets 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. The NSF can provide a list of area pet shelters, if needed.

2. Dogs that are part of an attraction, exhibit or demonstration will be This includes the 4-H Dog Show and Skill-A-Thon Contests and the Cattle Stock Dog Trials and Finals, and grounds attractions booked by NSF. Dogs must remain in the immediate event area; the BigIron Events Center and Barn A/B Arena, Big Red Barn, and Thompson Arena. 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 NSF guests, will be asked to remove the dog from the fairgrounds.

3. 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.”

4. Dogs will be permitted in the NSF Campground. Dogs must be kept under leash control of the 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 NSF campground guests will be asked to remove the dog from the fairgrounds. The NSF can provide a list of area pet shelters, if needed.

*For full ADA service animal requirements, please visit www.ada.gov

All animals on the NSF 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.

Drone (UAV) Policy

UAVs, commonly known as “drones,” are prohibited on or above all NSF property, including but not limited to the fairgrounds, parking lots, and campground, regardless of commercial or recreational purpose. Any UAV(s) observed at or near NSF property will be reported to local law enforcement.

Emergency

Dial 911.

Food/Alcohol

Food, non-alcoholic beverages, coolers, and picnic baskets are permitted. Items are subject to inspection at all NSF gates. There is no food, beverage, cooler or picnic basket storage facilities available. There are select areas and events within the NSF grounds in which outside food, beverages, and coolers are prohibited.

Outside food and beverages are not allowed to be brought into the BigIron Events Center.

Outside beverages are not allowed in the Outdoor Concert Area.

 Bringing alcohol onto the NSF grounds, parking lots, or campground is prohibited. Alcoholic beverages may be consumed only in designated areas, approved beverages in approved containers or koozie, and by individuals who have been identified (daily wristband) as to be of legal drinking age.

Liability

Fairgoers entering the NSF do so at their own risk.

Due diligence will be used to ensure the safety of animals or articles of exhibit, but the NSF 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 NSF, its officers, agents, or employees by any person having the privilege to exhibit or license to operate on the NSF grounds or occupying a space thereon.

Lost or Stolen Items

The NSF is not responsible for lost or stolen articles in cars or on the person attending the NSF. Lost and Found, during the NSF, is located at the Welcome Center, located at the intersection of State Fair Boulevard and Main Street. Following the Fair, items will be transferred to the NSF Administration Office. Items will be kept until December 15, following the Fair, and then donated to charitable organizations.

NO REFUNDS:

No refunds for any reason! Refunds, credits, or exchanges will not be issued for cancellations as a result of any condition. Show cancellation is at the discretion of the Artist and Nebraska State Fair.

Pedestrian Right-of-way

When walking on or about any street, sidewalk or other area generally open to the public on the NSF grounds, 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 NSF grounds.

Photography/Videography

By entering the Fairgrounds, you hereby consent to and authorize the use of your photograph, image, or reproduction thereof, printed or otherwise, in connection with advertising, promotional and publicity purposes without limitation or compensation.

Prohibited Items

The following items are not permitted on the NSF grounds:

• Helium
• Balloons
• Stickers
• Private golf carts, auxiliary vehicles, motorized vehicles, one or two-wheeled Vehicles
• Weapons
• Selfie Sticks or tripods unless approved by NSF prior
• Roller-skates, inline skates, hoverboards, one wheel
• Drones

Promotional Vehicles

The operation or parking of any vehicle upon which advertising wrap or signs, political or otherwise, shall be prohibited from parking overnight at NSF Parking lots / Fonner Campus. EXCEPTION is available for approved signage/posts within a contracted booth space. No sub-letting is allowed, including signage of this nature.

Re-admission

NSF gate admission tickets are valid for one use and scan only. Upon leaving the fairgrounds, a hand stamp is required for re-admission. A hand stamp is only valid for the day it is issued. If a hand stamp is not present, or if it appears to have been tampered with or transferred, payment of gate admission will be required. A hand stamp is required for re-admission into a NSF concert, whether in the BigIron Events Center or Outdoor Concert Area. If a hand stamp is not present, or if it appears to have been tampered with or transferred, the purchase of a concert ticket will be required.

Sale & Promotion of Tickets Policy

There shall be no re-sale or public promotion of NSF tickets. All companies, organizations or individuals are welcome to purchase tickets to the NSF. Because of contractual obligations made by the NSF with various sponsor entities that may include exclusive rights to sell or promote marketing programs in conjunction with or on behalf of the NSF, only authorized firms are able to utilize tickets for sale or promotion to the general public. For consignment or other purchase of tickets, the NSF makes these tickets available on the premise that they are to be used by the individuals purchasing them only, or for employees or immediate family of companies or organizations purchasing them. In the event that the NSF finds violation with this policy, it reserves the right to void all tickets purchased. Gate admission tickets, concert tickets, ride tickets/wristbands, NSF vouchers/coupons, etc. become null and void following the last day of the NSF. There is a purchase limit of 8 tickets per household, for all concert tickets.

Skates and Skateboards

The use of roller skates, in-line skates (roller blades), hover boards, other 2-wheeled vehicles, or skateboards are not permitted on the NSF grounds except as authorized in an agreement executed by the NSF.

Smoking/Vaping

In accordance with the 2008 Nebraska Clean Indoor Air Act, smoking is prohibited in all buildings. In addition, please refrain from smoking/vaping within 20 feet of building entrances, in the Family Fun Zone and in the Outdoor Concert Area

Solicitation

The NSF is a public forum of limited duration and exists in part to provide a means for a great number of exhibitors to temporarily present their products or views, be they commercial, religious or political, to a large number of people in an orderly, safe, secure and efficient fashion.

No person or group of persons shall banner, picket, march protest, demonstrate or caucus on the NSF grounds before or during the NSF in any manner that interferes with the convenience and safety of an NSF patron, exhibitor or employee.

To avoid congestion and to prevent any impediment in the flow of fair patrons and to facilitate the maintenance of orderly movement throughout the fairgrounds, anyone desiring to exhibit must apply for booth space as set forth in the NSF Space Rental Rules and Regulations and comply with the terms and conditions of the space rental agreement.

Exhibit shall mean activities including, but not limited to, picketing, petitioning, proselytizing and/or the selling, posting or distributing of any merchandise, products, raffle tickets, promotional items and printed or written materials.

Sale or distribution of any merchandise, products, raffle tickets, promotional items, including printed or written material except under license issued by the NSF and/or from a licensed location is strictly prohibited.

Because of the great interest in the safety and orderly movement of large crowds and vehicular traffic flow, any activity engaging or impeding the fair-going public or interrupting the orderly flow of the fair- going public outside of an approved, licensed and contracted booth space is strictly prohibited.

Subject to inspection

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.

Towing

The NSF reserves the right to tow vehicles including, but not limited to, vehicles that are parked illegally, parked in a no parking area or are impeding traffic or general operations of the NSF. Vehicles towed from an unmarked area or for the convenience of NSF operations will not be assessed a fee. All vehicles are towed to a site on the NSF grounds. Repeat infractions will result in the revocation of any NSF-issued parking permit.

Two-wheeled vehicles

Two-wheeled vehicles, such as bicycles, motorcycles, Segway, and motor scooters, will not be allowed on the NSF grounds unless such two-wheeled vehicles are on display in a commercial space licensed by the NSF and, in such case, such two-wheeled vehicles must be kept in the assigned commercial space and may not, under any circumstances, be operated on the streets of the NSF. Track-type vehicles may not be operated anywhere on the NSF grounds without the express authorization and approval of the NSF. Electric personal assistive mobility devices may be used on the NSF grounds by persons that are physically challenged.

The utilization of bicycles as a form of transportation to the NSF is encouraged. However, bikes are not permitted on the NSF grounds without a Bike Permit. Bikers without a permit must leave their bikes at the gate. NSF is not responsible for any bikes left at the gate.

The bearer of a bike permit is allowed to bring their bicycle onto the NSF grounds to be stationed at their place of employment or exhibit. Bikes must be walked onto the property and at all times when on the NSF grounds. Bike permits are available at the Box Office in the Nebraska Building.