Safety and Security

SAFETY INFORMATION & GUEST CODE OF CONDUCT

Safety is the top priority at the National Peanut Festival. We are committed to creating a safe, welcoming, and enjoyable experience for all visitors. NPF management reserves the right to refuse admission or eject any person violating facility, local, state or federal laws or whose conduct is deemed illegal, disorderly or offensive.

The safety and security of Fairgoers remains a priority at the National Peanut Festival. With this standard of uncompromised safety in mind, NPF officials are introducing this enhancement to existing protocols.

NEW IN 2023! Bag Policy

To provide a safer environment for the public and significantly expedite guest entry into the Festival, The National Peanut Festival has implemented a policy that limits the size and type of bags that may be brought into the Festival. Exceptions to this policy will be made for all medically necessary items after proper inspection.

While visiting the National Peanut Festival, all bags must be 12”x 6 ”x12” or smaller. All bags are subject to screen prior to entering the Fairgrounds.

• All bags larger than 12” x 6” x 12” will need to be returned to a vehicle or home before entering the Fairgrounds.
• Lockers are not available for those who arrive with oversized bags.
• Any prohibited items could be confiscated by Public Safety and not returned, but in most cases, you will be allowed to return the item to your auto.

Guests will be able to carry the following style and size bag, package, or container into the National Peanut Festival Fairgrounds:

• Bags that are clear plastic, vinyl or PVC and do not exceed 12" x 6" x 12". This includes clear backpacks, clear fanny packs and clear cinch bags that fit within the permissible dimensions.
• No buckles, grommets/hardware or décor can be concealing any part of the bag.
• One-gallon clear plastic freezer bag (Ziplock bag or similar).
• Any carry-in items for family care, such as diaper bags, water or snacks for children, or medical reasons will be permitted – no medical proof or note needed.
• Small bags, non-clear bags that do not exceed 4.5" x 6.5" in size, with or without a handle or strap can be taken into the Festival with one of the clear plastic bags. Wristlets and smaller over the shoulder purses will still be subject to search.

Fairgoers are encouraged to leave unnecessary items at home. We realize this policy will change the way you prepare to come to the Fair and appreciate your flexibility and patience.

UPDATED! Prohibited Items:

All guests entering through gates are subject to search. To ensure guests have a safe and enjoyable to the National Peanut Festival, the following items are not permitted at the National Peanut Festival Fairgrounds:

• Aerosol Cans
• Alcoholic Beverages
• Banners, Signs, or flags on poles
• Bicycles, tricycles, or unicycles
• Foot powered or electric scooters (such as Bird, Lime, or Lyft scooter)
• Skateboards, hoverboards, roller skates, or inline skates
• UAV – drones
• Animals such as pets and emotional support animals (service animals are allowed)
• Balloons
• Beach Balls
• Commercial A/V Equipment
• Fireworks, sparklers, or explosives
• Glass Bottles
• Hard-sided coolers
• Illegal Substances (drugs, paraphernalia, etc.)
• Bags larger than 12” x 6” x 12”
• Lasers
• Noisemakers
• Sticks, Bats, Poles
• Weapons, Firearms, Knives

The following items are ALLOWED at the National Peanut Festival:

• Diaper bags of any size
• Cameras for personal use (No photography for commercial or media use without proper media credentials)
• Empty cups, water bottles, and camelback-style water packs
• Lawn chairs/folding chairs (please remove chair from bag at security screening) concert area only.
• Sealed water bottles
• Bags and soft sided coolers 12” x 6” x 12” or smaller. Bags must be clear. Smaller bags such as wristlets that measure 4.5" x 6.5" do not have to be clear. All bags are subject to check.
• Strollers/wagons

Code of Conduct

All guests are expected to follow ALL safety policies and guest code of conduct, including:

• Weapons are prohibited at the National Peanut Festival Fairgrounds.
• Visitors entering the Fairgrounds will be screened through metal detectors at entry gates.
• If severe weather or an emergency affects the National Peanut Festival, please listen for public address announcements, and follow instructions from NPF personnel and public safety officials.
• There is a NO RUNNING policy while visiting the National Peanut Festival.
• Guests will enjoy every event free from disruptive behavior, including foul or abusive language or obscene gestures.
• No alcohol is permitted at the National Peanut Festival. Violators will be removed and could face criminal charges.
• Guests who engage in running, fighting, throwing objects or any other violent or offensive action will be immediately ejected from the NPF Fairgrounds
• Smoking, including alternative smoking devices such as electronic and/or vapor, is only permitted in designated smoking areas around the Fairgrounds

Service Animal Policy

The National Peanut Festival follows ADA guidelines regarding service animals. A service animal is one that is trained to perform tasks for individuals with disabilities.

Service animals must remain on a leash or in a harness and under the control of the owner at all times.

Due to the nature of some attractions at the National Peanut Festival, service animals are not permitted on rides or attractions, and may be restricted in certain areas due to safety concerns.

ADA regulations state that the specific work or task a dog has been trained to provide must be directly related to a person’s disability. Dogs and other animals whose sole function is to provide comfort or emotional support do not qualify as service animals according to the ADA. Therefore, emotional support animals are not permitted in the National Peanut Festival.

To report emergencies, a safety concern or request medical assistance while visiting the National Peanut Festival Fairgrounds, please call 334-793-4323.

If you do not have access to a phone, stop any police officer or National Peanut Festival staff member, or visit the Lost Parents Booth. Child Safety Armbands booths, any ticketing location or any NPF volunteer on duty.

National Peanut Festival staff and Public Safety Officials have been trained to intervene when deemed necessary and to use their best discretion to help ensure that guests who ignore the Code of Conduct do not interfere with other guests’ ability to enjoy an event. Guests who violate the Code of Conduct, or prevent others from enjoying the Festival may be subject to ejection without refund and, to the extent their conduct constitutes a violation of law, may be subject to arrest.

Enjoy your visit to the National Peanut Festival!

• Are diaper bags permitted? Diaper bags, water, snacks for children, or medical necessities are permitted without the need for medical proof or a note. All bags will be subject to search. Family care bags do not have to be clear but should be of a reasonable size and purpose.
• Will I have to return prohibited items to my car and if so, do I have to pay to reenter? In most cases, you can return prohibited items to your car, but it's at the discretion of the public safety officer at the gate. For instance, forgetting a pocketknife may be allowed to return it to the auto, while attempting to bring a firearm will require surrender or an escort back to your car. Alcohol brought in will be seized and poured out.
• What the process for security procedures? All guests must pass through a metal detector and undergo a bag search before entering the fairgrounds. Ticket scanning for entry only occurs after passing through security, so there is no additional charge if you have to return an item to your car.
• Will licensed concealed carry guests be allowed to bring their firearms on the fairgrounds? Licensed concealed carry guests are not allowed to bring firearms onto the fairgrounds. Alabama law allows private property owners, including the National Peanut Festival Fairgrounds, to prohibit firearms, except for law enforcement officers in the lawful discharge of their duties.
• Can we bring in strollers and foldable wagons? Strollers and foldable wagons are allowed if used for family care. However, security measures are in place, and these items may be subject to search, along with any bags, blankets, or jackets carried in them.
• Why are there bag limits if you are using metal detectors? By combining both bag limits and metal detectors, our goal is to create a balance between convenience and security. Bag limits help streamline the process by reducing the number of bags to be checked and the speed at which they can be checked, while metal detectors enhance the ability to detect dangerous items that may not be restricted by bag limits. This layered approach enhances security while allowing for a smoother entry process.
• Will there be additional law enforcement or just security guards? The National Peanut Festival has an excellent working relationship with the City of Dothan Police Department and the Houston County Sheriff Department. The number of officers present on the fairground will be consistent with the number of guests on the property. For security reasons we will not disclose the exact number, but we are working with both departments at their recommendation and will staff accordingly. But do expect an increased law enforcement presence as well as security.
• Will vendors and carnival workers be processed as well? Yes, anyone entering the fairgrounds is subject to the security procedures that we have in place. We have law enforcement and security at the carnival entry and anyone entering Gate 2, (Carnival Gate) will be subject to security screening.
• Will guests of Special Citizens Day and Senior Citizens Day be required to comply with the clear bag policy and screening? Both of these events occur outside of normal operating hours of the National Peanut Festival and are considered special events. Recognizing that our Special Citizens and Senior Citizens have specific medical needs, we will not require a clear bag policy for these events, but reserve the right to check any bags, backpacks, etc.
  
• Is this type of security really necessary? Yes, this level of security is necessary. It ensures the safety of everyone, allowing attendees to focus on their family's enjoyment without fear of violence, and enables volunteers and staff to perform their tasks without safety concerns. While unfortunate, it is a necessary precaution.