Fair Accessibility and Inclusion Planning

What does accessibility mean at a fair?

Accessibility covers physical access, such as paths, parking, restrooms, seating and viewing areas, and also information, communication and activities. It includes visitors who use wheelchairs or walkers, who are blind or low vision, who are deaf or hard of hearing, who have sensory sensitivities, who have cognitive disabilities, or who need extra time or rest.

Fairgrounds present special challenges: gravel, grass, crowds, noise, heat and temporary structures. Planning ahead makes a visible difference.

Remember that many barriers are invisible. A visitor may have a health condition that is not obvious, so a welcoming attitude and an easy way to ask for help matter as much as ramps and signs.

What legal duties apply?

Federal and state laws, including the Americans with Disabilities Act, can apply to fairs, depending on who runs them and how. The requirements can be detailed and differ for public and private organizations. This guide does not give legal advice.

The ADA information website run by the federal government explains requirements and has a way to ask questions. Organizers should also consult their own counsel or state agency. Visitors who run into barriers can contact the fair office and, if needed, the agencies listed on that site.

How can organizers audit the grounds?

Walk the fair with people who have different needs, ideally with advice from disability groups or advisory members. Check parking, drop off areas, routes between buildings, surfaces, ramps, doorways, restrooms, seating, water, shade and first aid.

Write down barriers and rank them by how much they limit participation. Fix simple things first, such as clear paths, signs and seating, and plan larger projects over time.

Check the temporary parts of the fair as carefully as the permanent buildings. Cords across paths, vendor tents placed in aisles, and rental toilets all change access from year to year.

• Accessible parking and drop off points
• Firm, stable routes between key areas
• Accessible restrooms and seating
• Shade, water and quiet places
• Clear signs with large print

How do you share information?

Put accessibility information on the fair website and in printed materials: what services exist, where to find them, and whom to contact. Provide a clear phone number and an email address for requests. Make web pages and documents readable for people who use screen readers.

Train staff and volunteers to answer common questions and to speak directly to a visitor rather than to a companion. Offer help, and accept a person's answer if they decline.

Offer information in more than one form, such as large print, plain language and a phone line, so visitors can use whatever suits them. Ask local disability groups to review materials before they are printed.

What about events, animals and competitions?

Think about viewing areas at grandstand events, rodeos and livestock shows. Allow space for wheelchairs and companions, and ask visitors about seating needs when they buy tickets. Consider quiet hours or low sensory times for visitors who are overwhelmed by noise and crowds.

Exhibitors with disabilities may need adjustments, such as extra time, assistance in the ring, or accessible entry. Ask the department superintendent and the fair rules about requests. Service animals have their own rules, so ask the organizer and the ADA information site.

Whenever you set up a viewing area, test it by sitting in it. Sight lines that work for standing visitors may be blocked for someone seated.

How do visitors ask for help?

Contact the fair office ahead of time, describe what would help, and ask what is available. Ask about parking, shuttles, mobility device rentals and quiet spaces. On the day, find the information booth or any posted accessibility desk.

If a request is not met, stay polite, write down what happened, and ask for the manager. You are entitled to ask questions.

If a visitor needs to bring medication, an assistive device or supports with them, ask the fair office about entry rules ahead of time so there are no surprises at the gate.

How do you keep improving?

Invite feedback from visitors with disabilities and from groups that serve them. Include accessibility questions on surveys, and share what you changed. Small, visible steps build trust.

Budget for accessibility each year rather than waiting for one big project. Make it a regular part of planning for every event.

Thank visitors who share feedback and report back on what changed. People are more willing to speak up when they see results.

Last reviewed: November 12, 2026. Written by the County Fair & Rodeo Guide Editorial Team. See our editorial policy.