Virginia Gun Owners Forum - VGOF

I'm considering a visit to the Virginia State Fair at the Meadow Event Park near Richmond (actually in Doswell right next to Kings Dominion). So, I was browsing their website, trying to determine whether they allow legally carried weapons or not.

I couldn't find the answer readily available, so I sent them the following email:

Email to State Fair wrote:Hello Jay,

I would like to know the Fair policy regarding the legal carry of firearms on the Fairgrounds property (concealed with a valid Virginia concealed handgun permit).

When I read your mission statement, I get the feeling that legally carried firearms are allowed, since your policy states:

"[The SFVA] mission is to celebrate Virginia's heritage - to heed its roots in agriculture, advance its youth through scholarships, encourage friendly competition and foster multicultural celebrations in a fun, safe atmosphere."

and

"As a not-for-profit independent of state government, SFVA is much more than one event. In a world where Virginia’s open land and traditions that shaped our culture are rapidly vanishing, our goal is to keep cherished ideals and experiences alive in the Commonwealth. "

Thank you for your time.

I received a negative response indicating that weapons are not allowed:

Response from VA State Fair Public Relations wrote:Rick,

Per our State Fair of Virginia web site:

All Guests Subject to Search

For the safety of all individuals, everyone entering the event is subject to search. Metal detectors may be used. Weapons, contraband and alcoholic beverages are prohibited. Anyone refusing search cannot be admitted.

Our no weapons policy actually is for The Meadow Event Park year round.

Thanks!

Jay

So, I have no problem with them denying our rights on their private property (The Meadow Event Park). What I *DO* have a problem with is their mission statement, which specifically states "In a world where Virginia’s open land and traditions that shaped our culture are rapidly vanishing, our goal is to keep cherished ideals and experiences alive in the Commonwealth."

So, how does restricting the carry of firearms fit in with that mission statement? Your guess is as good as mine. Seems they should adjust that mission statement to read something more along the lines of:

"In a world where Virginia’s open land and traditions that shaped our culture are rapidly vanishing, our goal is to keep cherished ideals and experiences alive in the Commonwealth - except for those ideals which we would like to see vanish."

except for those ideals which we would like to see vanish

Pretty much beat me too it.

If they did not say anywhere on there site and they do not post anywhere at the event, then wouldn't you technically by law be allowed to carry there? If they searched you, then you could always show them your permit. Then, it is up to them whether or not you can enter their private event. I say 'private' because shouldn't private property owners have their rights about firearms. But, this sounds like a state event. If so, then shouldn't state law prevail?

I've seen this discussed to no avail on OCDO as well. All we can do at this point is to take our hard-earned dollars elsewhere.

On a SN Kings Dominion is even worse. Can't even take a little keychain knife in there. Trust me, I've tried. They run you thru metal detectors as if your getting on a plane.

"Our no weapons policy actually is for The Meadow Event Park year round."

Um, pardon my french, but that is a damned lie. They hold GUN SHOWS there REGULARLY, and CONCEALED CARRY is ALLOWED!

Really? Ever gunshow I have ever been to has a rule against it. One even had a police officer asking people if they were carrying and safety checking weapons

SGK holds gun shows at that venue and they don't allow loaded firearms in any of their events.

Hey folks remember that our "heritage" got all full of hopey changey a couple of years ago when the majority of VA voters went for ole big ears...

One more reason not to go. And you can bet that if some nut beat the system, got in with weapons, and went on a shooting spree, they would be calling for "tougher" gun "control".

Concealed Carry isn't just on your PERSON, if you leave the gun in the vehicle's armrest... Concealed. I just use CC as a general term. Easier to understand overall for non-carriers.

So I add the Virginia State Fair and King's Dominion to the list of places I don't go.