State Fair

[jgdean85]

I plan to get my chl in March. I read on glocktalk that there is some sort of law that allows you to carry on city properties, ie the State Fair. Did anybody here carry into the state fair, and how much was it a pain?

Thanks- J.

[Greybeard]

Yep, change in law (effective Sept. 1, 2003) made that happen.

If someone is going to need a CHL, that area around surrounding Fair Park is certainly one of them!

While I've personally avoided going there for several years, from what I understand, there were some hassles and major delays in '03, but by '04, most of the "need to know" types had been trained and things went more smoothly.

I too will be curious to see what others here experienced.

[dolanp]

I haven't experienced it myself but I've read posts from lots who have. Basically what happens is they have a metal detector wand at the entrance so you pretty much have to disclose. The Dallas Police (or whomever) releases a statement beforehand on what to do, and they tell you to tell the wander. So once you tell the wand guy, he calls the HQ of the security (who is Dallas PD) and you wait. And wait.. and wait. I hear it can take anywhere from 5 minutes to 45 minutes for the LEO to come over and check your CHL, but it usually takes 30 or so. Once he checks that, they let you in and tell you to be safe.

A bit of a hassle, and since this happens in front of the mass of people waiting in line, it can be a little embarassing.

[mec]

back in late 95/early 96, somebody announced plans to declare the State Fair an "Amusement Park." Sound like somebody read the law to them.

[Delta]

I haven't experienced it myself but I've read posts from lots who have. Basically what happens is they have a metal detector wand at the entrance so you pretty much have to disclose. The Dallas Police (or whomever) releases a statement beforehand on what to do, and they tell you to tell the wander. So once you tell the wand guy, he calls the HQ of the security (who is Dallas PD) and you wait. And wait.. and wait. I hear it can take anywhere from 5 minutes to 45 minutes for the LEO to come over and check your CHL, but it usually takes 30 or so. Once he checks that, they let you in and tell you to be safe.

A bit of a hassle, and since this happens in front of the mass of people waiting in line, it can be a little embarassing.

I waited 20 minutes this year, but like someone said in another post being in or around FAIR Park, you need to be carrying.

Gets pretty intense at times....

[jimlongley]

Last year we, my wife and I, waited for better than a half hour and then they "required" that I show them my CHL, and they took down my info; my DL, and they took down my info; and then they wanted the serial number of my gun.

BTW, when we walked up to the guy with the wand, I had my CHL in my hand to facilitate the process, and before I had a chance to say anything he has already wanded me and passed me through. Wearing a full size 1911 .45ACP strong side I could hardly believe he missed it, but all he did was wave the wand at me like he was Zorro and move to the next person.

After relection I realize I should have just gone on in instead of notifying anyone, but my wife says I am sometimes too honest so...

This past year, no hassle really. We skipped the line and went up and asked for a supervisor. The sup came over and I explained what was going on. She took our tickets and escorted us over to where two officers were standing. We stood there for about ten minutes, chatting with the officers who could apparantly care less, until a fair official showed up, took a quick look at my CHL and wished us a good day.

[dolanp]

and then they wanted the serial number of my gun.

Now that I think crosses the line quite a bit.

[Braden]

I agree...especially since you would have to unholster your firearm in order to get the serial number (unless you just happen to have it memorized).

[jimlongley]

and then they wanted the serial number of my gun.

Now that I think crosses the line quite a bit.

They also wanted brand name and caliber, and then they got around to asking for the serial number. When I pointed out that I did not have it memorized (not entirely true) and that I would have to draw it to check it, and that we were standing in the middle of the entrance area with lots of people walking back and forth and that some of them might not be fully appreciative of the artistry of my piece, they backed down.

I think all of the requirements were merely roadblocks to discourage CHL holders from carrying.

[ScottDLS]

Last year (2004) my wife and I and our 3 yr old daughter went to the Texas State Fair. Frankly this was the first time my wife and I had gone since 1997. Back, then I carried a gun in my car and left it there. They had metal detectors and "signs" at all entrances as they had in 1996 too (had just got my CHL then). In 96/97 the signs were really a laugh, they were what I call "51%/30.05/429ee and 'we really don't like guns...' signs". The 51% was false. Anyway I left it in the car back then.

Ok now 2004. In the old days "pre-1990" I used to be a pretty tough guy. I was miltary, weightlifter, etc. Anyway, even then Fair Park was a pretty scary area. I really wanted to carry a gun there, but it was illegal. If there's anywhere you NEED to carry a gun its in that neighborhood!

Anyway, last year we wanted to take our little one to the Fair. No way I was going unarmed! I brought a backpack with water, crackers, wipes, etc. Wife, little one, and I parked, walked 1/4 mile to Fair and bought tickets. We walked toward the entrance and there was some shady looking hispanic lady with a wand "checking" people's bags as they went in. (Just so you PC types don't take this wrong, my wife is Mexican-American and I am part). Anyway, guard lady said she needed to look in my bag (nice gang tat'). I said NO and showed CHL and asked for a Police Officer. She didn't seem to understand (maybe I shoulda said "No hablo..."), scanned wife and daughter and then just pointed toward entrance of the park. I didn't wait around and walked away. I looked back to see if I was OK and she was busy w/ someone else.

Went armed and had much brats, turkey legs, cotton candy, and funnel cakes.

[Jacob Staff]

I have never been to the State Fair but I am surprised to hear it is such a rough place. Is it because of the large crowds and lots of beer?

[jimlongley]

The neighborhood around the fairgrounds is kind of rough, somewhat run down and such.

Last year as my wife and I were making our way onto the auto show building a bunch of "kids" came charging out with security behind them telling them not to come back. These teens obviously were enjoying intimidating everyone as they forced their way down the steps, there was a great deal of implied threat evident. Then one of them got to me and kind of elbowed his way past, making contact with my large concealed 1911, and for some reason he didn't enjoy the experience. He started to turn and say something and then thought the better of it.