Kentucky fairgoers react to minor attendance policy

LOUISVILLE, Ky. — With new rules introduced last year, Kentucky State Fair attendees under 18 will need a chaperone 21 or older to enter the fairgrounds after 6 p.m. Monday through Thursday and all-day Friday through Sunday. 

Ian Cox, state fair spokesperson, said it’s to ensure everyone has a safe time. 

“For us, this is a policy that’s reinforcing the family-friendly environment we already have, reminding people you should come out with your family and celebrate this,” Cox said. “If you’re not coming out with your family, you may not be doing it right.” 

Lucy Champelli and Laurel Peyton said while they haven’t attended the fair in years, they appreciate this kind of policy as adults. 

“I think it’s interesting … I guess people who are teenagers should be able to walk around freely,” Peyton said. “I think this teaches them how to be mature when you’re in big crowds like this.” 

Debbie Blotz said she has been coming to the fair all her life and thinks it is smart to enforce a minor attendance policy.

“I support it because these kids come out, get in trouble and start fighting, and there are families around,” Blotz said. “We don’t need that.” 

Chaperones are required to remain at the fair if they are bringing minors. Jennifer Sharp, who escorted her son and his friends, said 18 years old may be too old for a chaperone.

“It’s for safety reasons, but I do believe if you’ve got a kid that’s over 16, I think they are OK,” she said. 

Each adult can only chaperone six minors at a time while more than six individuals under 18 will require an additional chaperone for every six minors. Learn more about the policy on the fair’s website.