BACKPACKS AT THE FAIR
Backpacks or bags of any kind (excluding purses) will not be allowed at the fair this year on Friday. Anyone trying to get into the fair with a backpack will be turned around at the gates. This is a new security measure meant to make the fair a safer place for everyone. Anyone with diaper bags, camera bags will be allowed in after security check.
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I have 2 small children and need to bring a lot of things with me for a day out. Does this mean I will not be able to bring a bag of essentials?
Yes – baby bags will be allowed on to the grounds – when entering the grounds with children.
Come on, get serious! Have there been any threats to the fair? I can take a backpack on a transatlatic flight. They search it (sort of) so why can’t Carp Fair?
I carry a backpack for many reasons; medical accoutrements, special food, something to put purchases in, spare clothes and rain gear, camera etc. You are going to keep me away.
No certainly not – we are not going to keep you away. You now know – do not bring backpacks to the Fair. This is your choice – if you need to bring extra clothing – put them around your waist, if you require special food/medicine – carry a small bag that can be easily checked. We are asking that no backpacks be brought to the Fair – to eliminate delays at the gates also.
Wht about backpacks for childrens stuff. U cant fit everything needed for children in a day in a purse.
Bags with baby/small children supplies for a day will certainly be allowed on to the grounds. We ask that children be with the adults when entering the grounds with the bag.
Hi, just read that you are not allowed bags of any kind into the fair. I have a 1.5 yr old and would need to bring his diaper bag with diapers, snacks, water etc. Is this ok???
As you can see the answer above – families with children in tow – will not have problems bringing a bag on to the grounds – provided children are in tow. Come and enjoy a day at any Agricultural Fair!
I understand the security issue… but I feel that a security check @ the door might be the way to go with this. There are many families with small children attending your fair and they need to carry their belongings and supplies like sweaters for the evening, medications that might be needed, diapers/bottles etc for very young infants and toddlers. I think the no backpacks or bags of any kind is taking this just a bit too far. So how might you suggest these issues be met?? How are families supposed to carry all the items with them that might be needed during their visit to your fair? Turning people away at the door will certainly not do your fair any favours… you’ll just make people angry. I feel you should be trying to make the fair experience more ‘fair’ to the general public. Most of us are not trying to bring weapons or alcohol onto your premises … I assume that this is the concern. I have been attending your fair for many years and this is the very first time I have looked up your web site in advance of going to the fair. If I hadn’t looked on here this year I would not be aware of the new rule… just think of how many people will not know about this new rule. How many will be turned away and angered?? I’m hoping you’ll reconsider your decision to not allow bags of any kind onto the premises and do bag checks instead. I’d rather that then being turned away at the door after driving out to Carp and parking a mike away … with excited kids and toddlers in tow!
Hi There:
Of course you know the reason we are doing this. If there is a family and little ones in tow – don’t worry – you will be allowed into the grounds with your bags. We are doing this so that unwanted items do not come on to the grounds. If security sees someone on the grounds with a backpack – they certainly have not come through our gates – and will be asked to leave. We welcome families and certainly want the Fair to be a positive experience. There will not be any problem at the gate – you can bring your bag in – as long as children are in tow.
I hope this answers your question and you come and enjoy the Fair.
Joyce Trafford
General Manager
Hi,
My children are 7 and 8 years old and since we go to the Fair for the entire day, I usually bring a backpack with sweaters for later in the evening, sunscreen, water bottles, hats, etc. Would this be allowed / are my kids be considered as “small children”?
I appreciate your efforts to make the Fair a safe and positive experience. In past years I have seen many families with a bag/backpack. To balance safety with user-friendliness can I suggest that the backpack policy be revised to have all bags searched at the gates and post the items that are not permitted. The Calypso water park (http://www.calypsopark.com/prepare-your-visit/guide-de-directives-pratiques/) does this and I haven’t heard anybody complain. It also might help prevent confrontations on the Fair grounds.
Thanks,
Alan
I would still consider 7 & 8 year olds – small children. A bag with sweaters, hats, etc. – that certainly is not what we are trying to discourage people from bringing on to the grounds. Have a safe and fun day at the Fair!
im 15 and i would like to know if i can bring a bag with a sweater in it incase it rains
Country/county fairs – I’m guessing – aren’t what they used to be at all. I don’t know of many people in their 60s & who subsist on the kind of small, fixed income that our government expects us to live on, who will be able to afford the prices I’m seeing on this website. For a couple like us to be able to spend well over $100 to see the headliner, enter the fairgrounds before 6 PM and have something to eat/drink is prohibitive; impossible; totally out of the question.
I guess, we could go as 2nd class citizens, pack a lunch (as long as it’s not in a backpack – that’s not allowed) and pay the $10 each, entry fee.
Yes sir/madam, these prices sure take the fun out of the good old fashioned country fair experience for a large segment of our aging poor. This is what they sold us for working a lifetime and living an honest, clean life…
The only good thing about this is that today’s society will only be able to take us to the cleaners one last time when we kick the bucket.
I’m sure that there’s honest, good, hard-working people like yourself on committees to make this fair a success. We wish you the best.
May you all come up with a better, more equitable situation in the future – for our 2nd class of citizens who’s only crime is to have to live on the kind of fixed income that our governments expect us to live on…
Dear Mark
In response to your email. On Thursday evening of Carp Fair – admission is FREE. At the gates – people will be there accepting donations in support of our Canadian Troops. You may come to the Fairgrounds – the midway is open as is the Exhibit Hall following the judging of all the crafts, baking and Junior. In the Arena – there will be entertainment all evening long … which is also FREE. The Midway is also open – $ 2.00 per ride.
On Friday – for $ 10. admission- you may come to the Fair – enjoy the day watching 4-H shows, Holstein Shows, Heavy Horse Shows, Antique displays. There will be entertainment down in the Antique area also. We will have walk-abouts – childrent entertainment in the Family Circle Tent. All this is included for your $ 10. The parks closes on Friday night at 11:00 p.m. Friday night is when Colin James plays in the Arena – and yes tickets are $ 55.00 per person.
On Saturday – you can return and pay your gate admission of $ 10.00. Once again, you can be treated to lots of FREE live entertainment on the grounds and at 1:00 p.m. – you can see Tommy Cash – brother of Johnny Cash perform in the Arena – for FREE. Saturday night – yes – you have to pay $ 30.00 if you wish to see RoadHammers.
On Sunday – you can return and pay your gate admission of $ 10.00. Once again, you can be treated to lots of FREE live entertainment on the grounds at 1:00 p.m. – FREE entertainment in the Arena with Chilliwack. All the Livestock Shows – including our Heavy Horse Show – is FREE – and you won’t see any better show anywhere in Eastern Ontario.
Purchasing food on the grounds is optional. There really is not many places you can be entertained from morning til night for $ 10.00. Parking is also FREE.
Hope you come and enjoy the Fair – there really is lots to see and do
Hi there..what about students coming from school on Thursday and Friday…is there anywhere to possibly store their school bags until parents arrive after work to pick them up?
Hi Bev – we will not be allowing backpacks on the grounds on Friday of the Fair. Grade 5 students coming to the Fair as part of Ag Awareness – should be aware that they will not be allowed to bring their backpacks. We do not have anywhere to store bags – so children should make plans not to bring their backpacks. If they are bringing lunches from home – they should be packed in a plastic bag.
This chance in our policy is to make for a safer Carp Fair.
Unfortunately no place to store backpacks. We have given people lots of notice – Friday no backpacks. Only parents with small children will be allowed backpacks/diaper bags.
… as an enthusiastic amateur photographer and horse lover, I look forward to the Fair’s annual team penning competitions. I carry my lenses and other photographic equipment in a backpack camera bag; will I still be allowed to do so under your new rules?
No Backpacks are for Friday only. People with children will be allowed to bring a backpack/diaper bag in.
In regards to your no backpack rule, if it was really an issue about security, then backpacks would not be allowed on ANY of the days, not just the Friday. As you can see from the above, you are getting a lot of negative reaction to this “One day only” policy. If it was really for reasons of security, then it would apply to everyday of the fair. So, if you are wanting this issue to not create the kind of backlash that it seems to be generating, you may want to start providing more details about why it is only Friday, and what kind of security issues you are hoping to avoid. As it stands, it looks like someone thought they had a good idea, but did not really think about the full impact that making a ” no backpack on Friday only” policy may have. If the reasons are not readily available, or cannot stand up to scrutiny, then the policy needs to be scrapped. If there is a truly valid reason for the Friday only thing, then make it public, and the fair goers can decide if they still want to attend.
The reason for no backpacks on Friday is to stop young people from bringing alcohol on to the grounds. We have tried for a few years – checking backpacks – and have decided that we are going with no backpacks allowed. Anyone carrying a backpack may be approached by our Security Guards and asked about the backpack. Families with small children will be the exception to the rule. We are trying to make the Carp Fair a happy, pleasant experience for everyone. As for the scrutiny – we are not having a problem with it. No backpacks will be allowed …. so just don’t come to the gate expecting to get in – unless you have a stroller, children in tow and a bag full of childrens necessities.
Enjoy the Carp Fair!
Joyce,
I read all the comments on here, I always go Friday for the bracelets, I have small and medium sized kids and bring more than just a diaper bag, like snack/drink bag and jacket/sweater bag for late at night. Like most on here this is the first time I ever hear about this new regulation and I consider myself as someone who tries to keep informed – so don’t count on very many knowing anything about this new regulation.
My only comment is to make 100% sure that ALL these security guards and Carp fair staff KNOW not to bother any of the parents with backpacks. I can easily picture someone lacking common sense and insisting on a zero tolerance for them and stubbornly insisting or worse and it only takes one.
I prefer this regulation dropped and replace it with the common sense tactic of just forbidding anyone of teenage years to enter with a backpack.
Thanks for your comments – I will pass this along to the Director in charge that will discuss this with the Security Guards. I certainly understand where you are coming from with small/medium children.
Not trying to belabour a point, but I am slightly uncertain. All the responses above (thank you) state no bags/packs except for families with young children needs. And you’ve also clearly said ‘on Friday’.
Given the statement at the top of the page:”Anyone with diaper bags, camera bags will be allowed in after security check”, I understand this is for Friday only.
1. Is that correct?
2. Camera bags (my main interest) will be allowed with an inspection – on Friday?
3. Do the rules apply on Saturday and Sunday as well? This is my interpretation of the rule at the top of the page, but Friday has been stressed (and explained) ij tye response to questions.
Thank you
Friday is certainly our main concern – but camera bags will be checked all weekend long. We do not want backpacks on Friday and are certainly trying to get that point across so people do not come with them.
I’m new to the Carp area, and I was wondering if the concerts are held indoors or outdoors?
Thanks
Jim
The concerts are held in the W. Erskine Johnston Arena. Colin James tickets are $ 55. per person and Road Hammers are $ 30. per person – available in the Carp Fair Office (building getting the new stone work & siding) Welcome to Carp and enjoy the Fair!
Just in case no one has thanked you directly, thank you for all your patient responses to the question about bags.
Thanks – I just don’t want people to come and be disappointed at the gate. The Carp Agricultural Society Directors and myself just want everyone to have a fun filled 2010 Carp Fair! The best one yet!
Hi there,
Last year my husband and myself visited the fair and will not return in the future. I have been going to the Carp fair for years as have friends I know who will not be returning either. Firstly, we recieved a $60.00 parking ticket as did others parking in areas that were NOT marked no parking areas. Bylaws officers must have raked in a small fortune on nailing people with tickets. Secondly, upon entering the fair my friend two teenaged daughters had their purses felt and checked out to see if a weapon or booze bottle could be felt inside it??? It actually frightened one of the girls to have her stuff grabbed as soon as she entered the grounds. Totally crazy!! So have there been many stabbing from toally drunk individuals around the Carp Fair in the past? Better yet, does the area have a lot of teenage drunks who take knives to th fair?? It is totally pathetic that people can’t even go to the fair anymore without being all but stripped searched when they enter the grounds. So much for the Carpo FAir being the “Best little fair”. There is nothing little about it and unfortunatey it has all but been ruined as a “country fair” by far. In closing, why not start to regulate all the pathetic drunken individuals who do nothing but go to the fair and spend their whole time at the beer gardens getting totally bombed out of their gourd. Why not try seeting an example for the youth. Seems ok for the adults to be drunken fools??? Adios to the Carp Fair for me
Thanks for your note. The no parking signs do go up on some of the streets around the Fairgrounds and are checked each morning … but unfortunately some of them do get knocked down over the course of the day. Always make sure before you park that you look along and see if anyone else is parked in the area or look for signs that have been knocked down. Carp Fair certainly has grown and we do have to make sure that emergency vehicles can pass down streets – just in case they were needed in the neighbourhood.
As to your second point – checking purses by feeling them and looking inside – if there is nothing inside that you are not trying to hide. Why would you be insulted? If it is from a safety factor – better safe than sorry. When you go to a outdoor concert like Bluesfest or a Senators game – bags are checked. Do people complain? Maybe, but it does not stop them from attending. The Directors of Carp Agricultural Society- want people to come to the Fair and have an enjoyable experience. In case you did not know – people do bring wanted items in their bags to the Fair – that is why we are saying no backpacks will be allowed to the fair this year. Our Security does a great job on the gates and on the grounds. As far as a Country Fair – maybe you should come back to the Fair – and enjoy the Agricultural displays and shows that do take place at the Fair. Our Heavy Horse show is spectactular, Team Penning exciting, Beef, Dairy & Sheep shows exciting. There is something for everyone – and yes we do have a Beer Gardens for those people that want to enjoy some music while having some refreshments. Sorry you feel that way about coming back to Carp Fair – maybe you should attend again and see what you have been missing!
I live in a small Valley town and I do understand the kinds of problems the combination of young people and alcohol can cause at events like the Fair.
However, I think there are better solutions than a blanket “no backpacks” rule.
I’m 55 years old, and I always bring a backpack to such events. I’m sure I’m not unusual in that respect. I would have been very annoyed indeed to have arrived at the gate on Friday and been refused entrance. I’m pretty sure I would have just turned around and left, never to return.
Now that the local kids know backpacks aren’t allowed, they’ll just find other ways to smuggle in the booze. They always do, in my experience (you can hide a “mickey” just about anywhere!)
I don’t have a better solution in mind off-hand. But I think it’s a mistake to treat every single person, no matter their age, as a potential “offender” because they happen to be carrying a backpack. You risk causing an unnecessary amount of anger and hard feelings. (In my opinion.)
As we have stated in the past – if small kids are in tow – then a bag will be allowed. If you children are not that small – maybe they could carry their own clothing.
Carp Fair Friday has been a tradition for our family for the past 8 years. My wife and I both take a vacation day from work, load the kids in the car and come to the fair for a full day of rides, food and entertainment.
I am afraid that you are letting a few “bad apples” control the actions of every person that will be attending the fair on Friday. Do you have any concrete statistics on how many people are smuggling in alcohol and weapons in backpacks vs. those responsible people (young and old) that are not?
Have you thought about increasing security? Sure there will be a cost, but it would be for the Friday only. How much are you loosing by annoying good individuals that may not attend this year because they don’t want the inconvenience of carrying everything in their arms?
Just a thought.
I certainly don’t want to be around drunk or rowdy teenagers, but I fail to see how even if I have a 10 year old why I am a security concern if I wear a backpack (more comfortable than a purse or bag) for the day. I agree with Brent – you seem to have let a few control the actions of all. Common sense seems to have been lost along the way.
No backpacks for Friday only. If you are coming to the Fair on Saturday and Sunday – we will allow people to bring in backpacks/camera bags
We only want everyone to have a happy and safe Carp Fair. This is the first year for this – we are trying and so ask everyone to co-operate. Thank you – see you at the Fair!
I have a very large purse, looks like a tote bag. Does this mean I will be turned away at the gate because of the size of my purse?!
I have been taking my kids to fair since they were born, they are now 11 and 13. Every year I take them out of school on Friday to go to fair and to say that the kids can carry what the need for a full day at the fair is ridiculous. Girls can carry purses but boys have nothing but backpacks to put their belongings in. Kids can tie sweaters or a jacket around their waist but some rides will not let them on with it that way and to leave it on the ground of a ride, chance theft. My kids have always taken a backpack to put a bottle of water, some snacks, all of which they buy at the fair, as well as a jacket for at night. You are saying that my 11 year old son will have to carry that in his arms all day.
Your new policy “no backpacks or bags on Friday only”, is discriminatory against anyone, young or old, who does not have small children with them or have limited finances. I believe it mainly discriminates kids over the age of 10 and teenagers as they do have limited finances and Friday is bracelet day which is the reason there are an abundance of older kids and teenagers there on that day only – BRACELETS!!!
To suggest that people can go on Sat or Sun as backpacks are allowed is totally insensitive to your patrons who attend Friday because they do have children and cannot go on Sat or Sun because of the cost involve. If you were to have bracelet day on Sat and Sun as well, you would not have the problems you seem to have with the alcohol and weapons. Most fairs and the SuperEX sell bracelets for a couple of weeks leading up to the opening of the fair and the bracelet is good for any day of the fair. My suggestion is that maybe the Carp fair should look at changing the policy of bracelet day to what other fairs have instead of dicriminating against their patrons on the one day only rule.
In your response to an earlier email, you mentioned that people should not be angered because you get your backpacks and bags searched when you attend concerts, bluefest etc.and you are right we do. However, we ARE THEN ALLOWED TO TAKE THE BACKPACKS AND BAGS, once they are searched, into the event that we are attending. This is more consideration than you are giving your patrons. Last time I checked this was a country fair, not a rock concert!
I would really like to see as I’m sure others would, the statistics/occurances of arrests made at the fair for underage drinking, public drunkenness, carrying a concealed weapon and assult causing bodily harm on a yearly basis as alcohol and weapons (aka security) are the reasons you stated are behind the new policy. I would like to add that in the past 15 years that I have been at the fair on Friday from morning til night, I have not seen or heard of any problems with alcohol and weapons that were serious enough to warrant this kind of policy.
Sorry – don’t have the time to respond to all your concerns – but please co-operate with our new policy for this year.
If you have not seen any public drunkeness or underage drinking …. maybe you would like to spend some time in my office or the public washrooms .. to witness it. Not pretty when you have to hold a “child’s” head out of a garbage can while they are waiting for their parents to pick them up. Or better yet … in the drunk tank that the police provide.
After that maybe you would appreciate our new policy!
We received notification at our school today that the policy has changed and that backpacks will be allowed for the students attending the Friday morning agricultural awareness program. I do not see any mention of this on your “news” site. Can you please confirm or deny what we were told today, so I can advise the students? Thanks!
No backpacks is for everyone attending Friday. So yes – please pack snacks, lunches, etc. in plastic or a lunch bag.
I am a teenager who has been attending the fair every year on Friday for as long as I can remember. I’ve never drank at the fair and never intend to, but I every year I see people my age running around being drunk and stupid. I completely understand where you’re coming from with the no backpack rule and I’m happy to oblige.
Thank you Joyce for setting up the fair every year. I don’t think this rule is as big of a burden as people are making it out to be. If I get cold during the evening, I will just walk to my car and grab a sweater. Its THAT easy.
I look forward to this Friday. I’m sure it will be as much fun as it is every year
THANK YOU!
Hello.
I am a teenager and I look forward to the Carp Fair every year. I find it is one of the most amazing things that happens around town. I do understand that there are many stupid teenagers that get drunk, but I certainly would never participate in one of those.
I was just wondering, I usually carry around a bag, NOT a backpack. It’s a little bag with drawstrings, just so I can carry around my lunch and money and camera, since I do stay the whole day. I definitely do not mind having my bag checked, as there is nothing I feel I need to hide, but would you allow that?
Hi,
Since there are no bags, once I am in, am I allowed to go in and out of the grounds to collect warmer clothing and special food from my car?
Certainly – once you have purchased your ticket – they will give you half and you will get a stamp. So when you go out…. you get your hand stamped and you have your half ticket …. so you can get your clothing. Right now this morning you will be wearing all the clothing – not have to make too many trips to your car!
Hello,
Just some opinions from a teenager. I personally am not going to the fair this year although i have last year.
This backpack rule, although with good intentions will accomplish little. People can be infinitely creative about smuggling in alcohol; stuffed in bras, under pants, etc. It is impossible to catch everything. Those that really want to drink illegally will succeed. Those who are more scared will revert to other substances such as marijuana that can be more easily concealed.
I also think its slightly hypocritical to enforce these tough rules and then open a beer garden. When in attendance last year, the only dangerous drunks i saw were those who looked over 18 years of age, not students. Yes there was under-age drinking but that is just a fact of life.
I think you should in general re-consider these policies and their effects. To me, the only way to eliminate alcohol would be via full strip searches. Marijuana will still be there however, as it can be hidden anywhere. Good luck with your controlling although i predict that as more of these rules come into play, less and less young people shall attend.
-Alex
I Go to All Saints catholic school in Kanata ON , and I can tell you right now. Out of the invitatons prior to facebook , and other local websites, It is going to take alot of security to not let 1584 Students wanting to get in friday night with Backpacks, I am making you aware of this . It’s my concern to let you know , That I don’t really believe that making a “No Backpack” rule is very acceptable, both in regards to Parents and Students trying to keep their belongings close by. So Be prepared for having quiete the complaints and arguments between upset people attending the fair. That is all
As said previous – no backpacks. We have the security to look after our problems. Thanks for the heads up – we all have very large shoulders!
it says “Backpacks or bags of any kind (excluding purses) will not be allowed at the fair this year on Friday.” does that mean that saturday you allow bags?
The Security will be checking all backpacks over the weekend
I am a grandmother who will be attending the Carp Fair on Friday the 23rd with my 3 grandchildren. This will be the 4th year in a row that we have attended. I have always had a backpack as both my hands are needed to hold little hands( I know I see we are exempt) I will be purchasing 4 bracelets, 3 admissions, play a few games and of course candy floss and drinks. If I did not have my grandchildren I would still have a backpack as it is the easiest way to carry things. The no backpack rule is ridiculous.
You all have to give your head a shake if you think for one minute that this will stop people from bringing in alcohol , drugs, or anything else that could harm themselves or anyone else. It is time innocent people stop paying the price for a few bad apples. Perhaps you are more concerned that people may bring a little food and drinks in and your revenues may suffer
I think this is just unnecesary. None of the other fairs do this. We were planning on going to the Carp Fair but will not be now. I can understand a separate entrance to the Dance and no backpacks or bags in that way. But to the actual fairgrounds where it is all families going in is absorb. If you are having problems with weapons and booze then maybe you should just close the fair down. But I really doubt you have either of these problems. And if you do, just check bags and have cops standing there to escort those people out. Why ruin it for everyone else. This fair is going downhill fast. I will never return to the Carp Fair now.
I am glad I took the family to the Richmond Fair this year. Richmond Fair it will always be from now on!!!!