Rules & Regulations

All items brought onto the fairgrounds are subject to search by security.

Prohibited Items: Selfie sticks / Backpacks are discouraged / Firearms or weapons of any kind are not allowed / Outside food & beverages.  Coolers are not allowed to be brought into the fair.  Exceptions may be made for guests with special dietary needs, including but not limited to baby food or formula / NO alcoholic beverages or illegal drugs are allowed / Tobacco products are discouraged and NOT allowed in the seating areas or barns / Umbrellas are NOT allowed in the seating areas / Camping or tailgating chairs are NOT allowed at the concert area / NO PETS ALLOWED.  Animals are not permitted on the grounds at any time  unless they are part of an authorized show or exhibit.  Only trained service dogs assisting the handicapped are allowed on the fairgrounds.  We know you love your pets, and we love animals too, but they are not allowed in the fair.  This is for their safety as well as the safety of all guests.  Guests who use service animals MUST always retain control of their animals and should keep them on a leash or harness while visiting. / Drones / Any other item deemed unsafe by the Appalachian Fair Security Officials and the Washington County Sheriff's Department.

In accordance with FAA regulations and for the safety of our fairgoers, drones and other motorized aircraft systems are prohibited from flying above or near the fairgrounds without prior permission from fair management.

The Appalachian Fair is a rain or shine event including all events and concerts taking place.  NO rainchecks or refunds will be issued.  The Appalachian Fair monitors all potentially hazardous weather conditions.  In the event the National Weather Service announces a severe weather warning within a 5-mile radius of the fairgrounds, weather advisories will be announced immediately on the public address system and our social media outlets directing guests to seek shelter.  Designated severe weather shelters are located in the Farm & Home Building, Building 1, Building 3, Building 4, the Appalachian Heritage Museum, and the Show Barn.  If a concert or special event is taking place, the event will be delayed, postponed, or canceled depending on the severity and duration of the weather event. Fairgoers will be notified of any weather-related announcements via social media and our website.

Soliciting, selling items, promoting other events, organizations, etc. are strictly prohibited without prior approval from the Appalachian Fair.  Unauthorized signs, banners, or posting handbills are not allowed and are strictly prohibited anywhere on the grounds, including the parking fields and surrounding fence areas.  All promotions and sales of any kind in and around the fairgrounds must be registered and pre-approved by fair management.  Please contact our office for more information.

Shirt & Shoes are REQUIRED.  Appropriate attire is always required for a family-friendly atmosphere.  Open-toed shoes are not permitted on some rides.  See the list of ride requirements on the Drew Exposition page or on our website under Entertainment.

Appropriate conduct should be maintained for a family-friendly atmosphere.  Those displaying misappropriate conduct will be asked to leave the grounds or be removed from the grounds by security.

The Appalachian Fair is not responsible for lost or stolen items left in cars or on person attending the fair.  Lost and found items may be reported and turned in at the fair office.

Tickets purchased through a third-party provider are NOT authentic and cannot be guaranteed.  All tickets MUST and MAY ONLY BE purchased through the Appalachian Fair website or in person in our Box Office.  Lost or stolen tickets are the responsibility of the purchaser.  All  tickets, coupons, etc. become void after the last day of the event.

Smile! Photo, video, and audio may be taken for promotional purposes.  By entering the Appalachian Fair, you consent, waive all rights to royalties and release the Appalachian Fair of any liability.  You agree to your likeness being used, published, or reproduced in any and all media which can be used now or in the future, for any purpose by or in connection with the Appalachian Fair.

Handicap parking is available in Lot 5 on a first-come basis, just outside of Gate 5 for those with valid handicap tags.

Washington County EMS will provide emergency medical services.  For all first aid and medical emergencies go to the First Aid Station located next to the Appalachian Heritage Museum and the Appalachian Arena or contact fair personnel.

Security is directed by the Washington County Sheriff's Office.  As a safety precaution, the Appalachian Fair along with the WCSO encourage parents to take a photo of your child/children just before entering the fairgrounds.  In the event that you become separated, this will allow fair personnel and the WCSO to quickly share a photo of the missing child/children around the grounds with other officers and staff to bring about a quick reunion.  Traffic assistance is also provided by the WCSO.

Fair re-entry is not permitted.  Hand stamps are not used.  You will be required to purchase a ticket to re-enter the fairgrounds once you leave the gate, so make sure you bring everything you will need inside the fairgrounds with you.

E-coli/Salmonella exposure is an inherent risk in any location where food and animals are present.  Hand-washing stations and hand sanitizer dispensers have been placed around the grounds and should be used after petting animals or before eating.  Guests should take every precaution and evaluate their own health risks.  Those most susceptible to this illness are children under 5 or older senior adults.  Guests should take every precaution and evaluate their own health risks.  Purchase of a ticket and entry onto the fairgrounds constitutes your understanding of these risks and your willingness to undertake the risk of exposure.

COVID exposure is an inherent risk in any public location where people are present.  Guests should only attend after evaluating their own health risks.  Purchase of a ticket and entry onto the fairgrounds constitutes your understanding of these risks and your willingness to undertake the risk of exposure.

All property, fixtures, merchandise, etc. of every character, whether entered for exhibition, display, sale, or any other purpose and brought into the grounds or buildings will be kept entirely at risk of the owner, who assumes all responsibility for any loss, damage, theft, or accident that may occur.  Neither the Appalachian Fair Association, its officers, or agents, will be responsible for any such loss, damage, theft, or seizure by law enforcement and it is distinctly understood that exhibitors, concessionaires, and all other persons, firms, or corporations having property on the grounds and desiring protection from such loss or damage must make their own arrangements, therefore.

The Secretary/Manager of the Appalachian Fair Association shall have supervision and control of all exhibitors, whether in the buildings, arena, or grounds and reserves the right to prescribe the dimensions and regulate the position of all signs, control the distribution of advertising matter, and direct the arrangements of articles on exhibition so far as same may be necessary to secure harmony and attractive appearance.  All instructions shall come from him through authorized officials.

The Appalachian Fair reserves the right to refuse to display any item considered unsuitable for fair exhibit.

Commercial Vendors & Concessionaires: All Commercial Vendors and Concessionaires, together with their employees, assistants, and helpers, must obey the rules, or any other special regulations of the Appalachian Fair Association they have been notified of, and any refusal or neglect to do so will forfeit any rights they may have had by virtue of such privilege or concessions.  The Appalachian Fair Association reserves the right to refund in whole or in part, money paid for commercial vendor or concessions space and refuse to allow any party, or article to operate or do business should they or it become objectionable.

Special rules governing each department are in addition to the General Rules and are listed in the departments respective catalog following the list of Appalachian Fair General Rules and Regulations.

Competition is open to the world, unless otherwise state.