Policies and Procedures

Ohio State Fair Procedures

Show all

CONDITIONS FOR ADMISSION

Prior to entry, you will be asked to walk through a magnetometer (metal detector).
Bag searches are conducted upon entry to the Fair and the WCOL Celeste Center for concerts.
Purses, backpacks, book bags, coolers, strollers, etc. are permitted, but are subject to search.
Pets, other than service animals or those approved as a part of a competition or exhibition, are not permitted on the grounds.
Roving solicitations, vending, and selling are not permitted except when confined to a contracted booth or space.
Picketing, protests, or other demonstrations are not permitted.
All patrons, vendors, concessionaires, and exhibitors must wear shirts and shoes while on the property.
Prohibited items must be returned to your vehicle, disposed of, or forfeited to the Ohio State Highway Patrol upon admission to the grounds, and include:
1. Weapons such as knives, chains, bats and sticks,
2. Illegal substances,
3. Alcoholic beverages,
4. Bicycles, Segways/hoverboards, skateboards, roller blades, roller skates, mopeds, motorcycles and other two-wheel vehicles,
5. Drones (unmanned aircraft systems),
6. Laser pointers,
7. Selfie sticks,
8. Glass bottles and containers.

All conditions for admission may be enforced by the Ohio State Fair or the Ohio State Highway Patrol.

Please note that in accordance with Ohio law, fairgoers carrying a firearm, concealed or open, are permitted to enter only the outdoor portions of the Ohio Expo Center & State Fair. If any patron carrying a firearm would like to enter a building, the patron will be given the option to return the firearm to his or her vehicle and return to the fair with an admission handstamp. All buildings have signs posted prohibiting the carrying of a weapon, concealed or open.

The Ohio Expositions Commission reserves the right to use photographs and video of any and all individuals taken on grounds for purposes including but not limited to advertising and promotion. The Ohio Expositions Commission may edit, alter, copy, exhibit, publish and distribute this photo for purposes as it sees fit. By entering the grounds, I agree that my photo or likeness may be used.

NO SMOKING

The smoking of marijuana is prohibited, and outdoor cigarette smoking will only be permitted in designated areas.

UNACCOMPANIED MINOR PROTOCOL

To be admitted to the Ohio State Fair after 6 p.m., all youth under the age of 18 years are required to be accompanied by an adult, sober, and competent person aged 21 or older who will supervise the youth while at the Ohio State Fair (such as a parent, legal guardian, relative, or other adult). After 6 p.m., unattended youths without a chaperone will be denied entry and asked to leave or return with a chaperone.
One chaperone may accompany no more than six (6) guests under the age of 18 per day.
This policy applies regardless of entry method, such as use of a pre-purchased ticket or re-entry with a handstamp from earlier in the day.
Proof of age is required. Any fairgoer, including those over age 18 years, may be required to show a valid governmental identification for proof of age.
If a concertgoer under the age of 18 years of age has a valid concert ticket for that evening’s show, they will be allowed to enter the fair and the concert after 6 p.m. without an adult as outlined above. Once the concert is over, youth under the age of 18 are required to leave the Ohio State Fair in a timely manner or meet up with a supervising party age 21 or older as outlined above.
The Ohio State Fair and the Ohio State Highway Patrol reserve the right to remove any fairgoer, of any age, violating any law, rule, or policy.
This policy will be enforced daily.
Exceptions or challenges to this policy will be satisfied at the discretion of the Ohio Expositions Commission Executive Director.
Those youth under age 18 years with valid youth livestock exhibitor credentials will be permitted to access the livestock facilities via Gate 10 for the purpose of conducting animal care without a supervising party as outlined above.
Those youth under age 18 years with valid fair, vendor, or carnival employee or volunteer credentials will be permitted to enter the fairgrounds without a supervising party.

CUSTOMER SERVICE STANDARDS

The Ohio Expositions Commission is committed to providing clear, concise, and timely information while maintaining a high standard of professionalism in all customer interactions.

General Conduct

Treat all customers (internal and external) with respect, courtesy, and professionalism.
Maintain a professional demeanor at all times.
Listen patiently to understand customer needs clearly.
Strive to find solutions and resolve complaints effectively.

Accessibility

Ensure accessibility through various communication channels (phone, email, in-person).
TTY calls will be handled through the Ohio Relay Service. The Ohio Relay Service (ORS) provides full telephone accessibility to people who are deaf, deaf-blind, hard-of-hearing or speech-disabled. Specifically trained Communication Assistants (CA’s) process relay calls and stay on the line to relay conversations electronically, over a Text Telephone (TTY) or, in some cases, verbally to hearing parties. ORS is available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, with no restrictions on the number of calls placed or on their length. When responding to questions via a TTY assisted call, speak slowly, clearly and concisely. Extraneous information can take quite some time to transcribe and relay to the caller.

Phone Etiquette

Answer calls within three rings when possible.
Greet callers professionally, identifying yourself and your department.
Return voicemail messages in a timely manner.
When transferring calls:
- Inform the caller and get their approval.
- Provide the name and number of the person you're transferring to.
Handle "on hold" situations courteously:
- Ask permission before putting callers on hold.
- Check back every 3-5 minutes if research is needed.
Maintain a professional tone, even if the caller is not courteous.

Voicemail and Out-of-Office Messages

Keep voicemail greetings current and professional.
Include your name, department, and alternative contact information.
Update out-of-office messages with return dates and alternative contacts.

Email and Written Communication

Use professional language, grammar, and formatting in all written communication.
Proofread all correspondence for accuracy and clarity.
Include contact information for follow-up questions.
Use out-of-office notifications when appropriate.
Respond to emails requiring a response in a timely fashion. In some circumstances, this may mean an acknowledgement of receipt.

In-Person Interactions

Greet visitors promptly and courteously.
Maintain eye contact and a welcoming demeanor.
If unable to assist, guide the customer to the appropriate person or department.

Handling Inquiries

Provide accurate and complete information.
If unable to answer, transfer to the appropriate person or promise a timely follow-up.
For matters outside your jurisdiction, refer customers to the appropriate agency.

Continuous Improvement

Solicit and utilize customer feedback to improve services.
Include customer service competency in employee performance evaluations.

Confidentiality and Public Records

Respect confidentiality requirements as per applicable laws.
Be aware that email communications may be considered public records.

The aforementioned is established pursuant to Section 121.91 of the Ohio Revised Code.