Some of you will remember discussion from OCDO about the Kzoo county fair banning firearms because it was ran by a private org. Well I followed up on that today at the request of another individual and this is the reply.
Adam: Thank you for contacting us. The Kalamazoo County Fair is currently undergoing a restructuring. The County Parks Department is assuming control and management of the event. As a result, a new Fair Council will be appointed in the near future to manage and make decisions for the event.
The previous fair board prohibited firearms. They were a private organization and made this rule independent of the County. As the lease holder, they had this right.
Kalamazoo County rules state: No person shall discharge any rifle, shotgun, pellet gun, air rifle, pistol, or other firearm in any park for any reason, provided that this rule shall not apply to any law enforcement officer acting in the course of his or her employment. Violations or criminal offenses involving the transportation, possession, brandishing or discharge of pistols, other firearms, ammunition, or components of firearms on County park property shall be prosecuted in accordance with local ordinance or state law.
We allow people to carry firearms in accordance with state law at the County Parks and the County Expo Center & Fairground. Since the County will be running the event, this rule will apply to the event. The new Fair Council will review this and determine if any of the restrictions within the state law will apply to the Fair.
Thanks again for the inquiry. Let me know if you have any additional questions.
Dave Rachowicz, Director
Kalamazoo County Parks
Even though the whole situation before was a violation of state law it looks like they are honoring state law now and lawful carry will be allowed at the fair..carry on!
