Kentucky State Fair maintains strict policy about minors needing chaperones

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- It's an important rule for families to know before heading to the Kentucky State Fair this weekend.

Kids under 18 need to have a chaperone with them at the fair at certain times of the day.

Mondays through Thursdays after 6 p.m. and all day Friday, Saturday and Sunday, anyone under 18 must have an adult with them who is 21 or older.

The fair is all about family fun, but leaders want parents to understand the minor policy.

"Our minor attendance policy this year is the exact same thing it was last year," Kentucky Venues Spokesperson Lexie Ratterman said.

Proof of age is required and IDs will be checked at the gate.

Each adult chaperone can only have six minors with them at a time. Some people at the fair appreciate the age policy.

"I love the fact that they have to have a parent to keep them accountable for their actions," Jennifer Anderson said. "I'm here for it, I love it, it keeps everyone safe."

"I think it's a great idea because they want to come out here and act a fool really but with a grown up they wouldn't," Ella Fitch said.

The fair put the policy in place back in 2019 after a group of teens set off fireworks in a large crowd. In 2022, an 18-year-old was arrested with a stolen gun at the fair and nine people were arrested for causing panic with noise-making devices, which lead fairgoers to believe shots had been fired.

The fair said this year's 11-day event is secure and will have a heavy police presence.

"At the Kentucky State Fair we partner with a lot of state agencies, Kentucky State Police being one of them, so as you're walking around the fair you'll see a lot of troopers in their hats and they'll be monitoring the grounds in their golf carts and all those things," Ratterman said.

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