Can I carry at our county fair?

[andersmg]

I live in Dyer county and I thought i would ask some of you folks who may know or can give me a resource that would tell me if i can lgeally carry at our county fair?

[towerclimber37]

I would say, that yes you can as long as they don't serve alcohol...but I'm not positive.

[Guest ETS_Inc]

If the fair is held on what is considered to be a city/county/State park, then no. If it's posted, then no, not legally.

[andersmg]

It is not on "park" ground, they call the area "the farigrounds", so if it is not a "park" then I should be ok huh? I will most definitely carry concealed while there if at all.

[Marswolf]

That statute about city parks is really confusing. Something needs to be done about that.

[shaftbass]

Fairgrounds are usually privately owned, so if is indeed privately owned, and it's not posted, and alcohol isn't served (I haven't been to a fair where alcohol is served), you should be able to legally carry.

The biggest thing here is finding out who owns the grounds the fair is being held on.

[saintsfanbrian]

In Memphis, we had a beer tent at our fair (the last time I went 10 years ago.) Now, I wouldn't be caught dead going to the fair for being found dead near my car near the fair.

Oh well, as long as it isn't posted and isn't on grounds deemed "hallowed" by the State of TN or your city, you should be okay.

[Guest ETS_Inc]

con-ceal (con-cealed, con-ceal-ing, con-ceals)

To keep from being seen, found, observed, or discovered; hide.

(American Heritage Dictionary)

concealed (adjective)

1) Not accessible to view; "concealed (or hidden) damage"; "in stormy weather the stars are out of sight"

2) Hidden on any grounds for any motive; "a concealed weapon"; "a concealed compartment in his briefcase"

(WordNet)

[The Rabbi]

That statute about city parks is really confusing. Something needs to be done about that.

Yeah, like repealing any restriction on carry anywhere in the state.

[towerclimber37]

Yeah, like repealing any restriction on carry anywhere in the state.

now THATS an idea I can support!

[robbiev]

Here's what some of the related laws say:

"On the grounds of any public park, playground, civic center or other building facility, area or property owned, used or operated by any municipal, county or state government, or instrumentality thereof, for recreational purposes."

That seems fairly clear. If the property is owned or operated by any goverment agency, it's off limits. "Recreational" may be the only ambigious part of that, although, in my personal opinion, a fair would be considered a recreational activity. If it's owned and/or operated by an individual or a private company, this law wouldn't apply, but they could post signs if they chose to.

The "alcohol" law specifies "within the confines of a building" however, if they sell beer, I wouldn't recommend hoping for that to be a loophole.

[Marswolf]

Robbiev, no offense, but it isn't clear, at least in the sense you mean it, about carrying handguns in parks at all. You left out a very important part of the law.

39-17-1311. Carrying weapons on public parks, playgrounds, civic centers and other public recreational buildings and grounds. -

(a) It is an offense for any person to possess or carry, whether openly or concealed, with the intent to go armed, any weapon prohibited by § 39-17-1302(a), not used solely for instructional, display or sanctioned ceremonial purposes, in or on the grounds of any public park, playground, civic center or other building facility, area or property owned, used or operated by any municipal, county or state government, or instrumentality thereof, for recreational purposes.

39-17-1302. Prohibited weapons. -

(a) A person commits an offense who intentionally or knowingly possesses, manufactures, transports, repairs or sells:

(1) An explosive or an explosive weapon;

(2) A device principally designed, made or adapted for delivering or shooting an explosive weapon;

(3) A machine gun;

(4) A short-barrel rifle or shotgun;

(5) A firearm silencer;

(6) Hoax device;

(7) A switchblade knife or knuckles; or

(8) Any other implement for infliction of serious bodily injury or death that has no common lawful purpose.

Nothing about handguns in that list, and licensed handgun carry for protection is, IMHO a lawful purpose. It seems fairly obvious that the intention of the lawmakers was to allow licensed handgun carry in city parks. But cities are ignoring the lack of lack of handguns on the 39-17-1302(a) list. That's why we need either an AG ruling or a change in the law. I prefer the AG ruling. I suspect that a law change might not be in our favor.

[Guest Kingfish]

That's why we need either an AG ruling or a change in the law. I prefer the AG ruling. I suspect that a law change might not be in our favor.

Mars, weren't you going to get with Sen. Ramsey to see if he will ask for an AG opinion?

[Marswolf]

Yeah. Ron doesn't hang around his office much these days. I may have to write him a letter.

[robbiev]

Robbiev, no offense, but it isn't clear, at least in the sense you mean it, about carrying handguns in parks at all. You left out a very important part of the law....

...Nothing about handguns in that list...

Apparently, the information I had was outdated or incorrect. The info I had specifically stated "firearm" instead of "any weapon prohibited by § 39-17-1302(a)"

I'm assuming it was a copy of the old law, but it may simply be something that was wrong.

[Marswolf]

Note also that it doesn't say we can't carry a rifle there. It says a "A short-barrel rifle or shotgun". Short-barrel. Looks to me like it was intended to add a charge for "gangstas" in Memphis or Nashville.

I think the intention of the law is clear, but cities like Bristol don't see it that way. Maybe I could let them arrest me, sue them, and retire again.

[andersmg]

Thanks everyone for all the input and info, I will take all of this into account when we go. I'll take the fifth as to whether or not I will carry there for risk of incriminating myself!

[Guest ETS_Inc]

Thanks everyone for all the input and info, I will take all of this into account when we go. I'll take the fifth as to whether or not I will carry there for risk of incriminating myself!

Best answer I've seen online in along time.

[Guest db99wj]

In Memphis, we had a beer tent at our fair (the last time I went 10 years ago.) Now, I wouldn't be caught dead going to the fair for being found dead near my car near the fair.

Oh well, as long as it isn't posted and isn't on grounds deemed "hallowed" by the State of TN or your city, you should be okay.

Memphis still has a fair? I thought it was crunk fest:confused:

[Guest canynracer]

(7) A switchblade knife or knuckles; or

(8) Any other implement for infliction of serious bodily injury or death that has no common lawful purpose.

Nothing about handguns in that list, and licensed handgun carry for protection is, IMHO a lawful purpose. It seems fairly obvious that the intention of the lawmakers was to allow licensed handgun carry in city parks. But cities are ignoring the lack of lack of handguns on the 39-17-1302(a) list. That's why we need either an AG ruling or a change in the law. I prefer the AG ruling. I suspect that a law change might not be in our favor.

umm ok I am an idiot that cant read law mumbo jumbo really well, but doesnt a handgun fall under number 8? it will cause serious injury or death...just curious

[Marswolf]

doesnt a handgun fall under number 8? it will cause serious injury or death...just curious

But a handgun has a common lawful purpose (self protection) if you have a permit.

[Guest canynracer]

ahhhh....makes sense