The Iowa Firearms Coalition is getting quite a bit of correspondence regarding the Iowa State Fair Policy that was recently changed. Apparently, the Iowa State Fair has opted to install metal detectors and operate as if the confines of the property are a “Guns Free Zone” during fair time.
From an email to IFC: “The state fair is not exempted by law to deny concealed carry…why are they installing metal detectors????”
Well, actually… The State Fair Board is able to make policies to this effect as they are entrusted with state property, which is the fairgrounds. See Iowa Administrative Code, 371.2.5 and also Iowa Code 173.1.
https://www.legis.iowa.gov/
https://www.legis.iowa.gov/docs/ico/chapter/173.pdf
The fair board IS NOT a political subdivision as defined in 724.28. Therefore they can and do make their own policies during the annual fair time. However, we all know gun-free zones are killing zones because only law-abiding citizens follow the rules. Additionally, when a private entity like the fair board seeks to curtail your civil liberties, a good lawyer could argue that the same entity that removed your right to self-defense is responsible COMPLETELY for your safety. It would appear that the Iowa State Fair owns any and all damages to you when they remove your ability to protect yourself. I would think they’d want to avoid adding to their liabilities, but they seem to prefer it. That posture doesn’t seem wise.
There are some questions that these actions raise. What problems have manifested themselves to warrant these actions? Why continually segregate the good guys and strip them of their civil rights? With 400,000+ permit holders in the state and more carrying for self-defense all the time, why would the Iowa State Fair target this huge number of upright citizens to disrespect?
Does nobody notice the irony associated with hosting the state’s largest gun shows several times throughout the year? The Iowa State Fair Board enjoys the revenue from multiple gun shows annually, I can assure you. …But the same folks paying entrance fees and peacefully spending money can go pound sand during the fair? That seems pretty discriminatory.
I suppose people will need to decide for themselves. Do they want to make rich the same entity that doesn’t care about their lives? When you strip someone of their civil liberties in this fashion, you’re telling them you don’t believe their lives have value once inside the Iowa State Fairgrounds fence… It sounds as if some folks will find other ways to spend their time and money.
Something to consider… Where are the books to the State Fair? Who are they, the board, responsible to? What kind of budget do you suppose they enjoy? After all, as a “public instrumentality” of the State of Iowa, isn’t accountability present somewhere?
In Liberty,
Michael Ware
IFC Chairman
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Can I metal detect on the Iowa. State fair grounds
If your question is, “May I use my metal detector to prospect and dig for items?” we have no idea. This is a question best asked of the Iowa State Fair personnel.
The State Fair Board probably has jurisdiction only it they do not receive any State appropriations. They may install metal detectors, but why not allow permit holders to pass through armed? Permit holders are not the criminals.
Americans have the right of the 2nd amendment. You are taking that away which you are assuming full responsibility for any injuries or assaults
I am sorry but you don’t have enough security for that and that is my job. As a veteran I don’t not feel comfortable with relinquishing that right ever.