2024 Chesterfield County Fair to kick off with new clear bag policy

CHESTERFIELD COUNTY, Va. (WRIC) — The 2024 Chesterfield County Fair kicks off on Friday, Aug. 23, promising over a week of fun for all who stop by. However, those planning to go should take note of organizers’ new policy on bags.

Chesterfield’s county fair has a rich history , dating back to 1911. In its 113th year, this popular annual event will take place from Friday, Aug. 23 to Sunday, Aug. 31 at the Chesterfield County Fairgrounds, located at 10300 Courthouse Road.

The fair boasts all manner of fun activities, rides and entertainment, as well as plenty of food and drink. Some highlights include a medieval jousting competition, a horse show, multiple pageants and a special silent auction.

All funds raised by the Scholarship Silent Auction will go towards scholarships for Chesterfield County High School seniors who graduate in June 2025. According to organizers , as much as $16,000 has been raised already this year.

Some of the performers on the schedule include “The True Voice of Elvis” Doug Church, the Beatles tribute band 1964: The Tribute, The Embers featuring Craig Wollard and The Uptown Band, among others.

New this year, organizers have implemented a clear bag policy . While it’s best to not bring a bag to the fair at all, there are now specific guidelines on bags attendees are allowed to bring if they choose to do so.

Allowed bags include:

• Clear plastic, vinyl or PVC bags no larger than 12″ by 6″ by 12″
• Small purses or clutch bags no larger than 12″ by 6″ by 12″
• One-gallon clear plastic freezer bags (such as a Ziploc)

Attendees cannot bring coolers, briefcases, luggage, computer bags or binocular bags. Non-clear backpacks, fanny packs, cinch bags or any kind of non-clear bags that exceed the size listed above are also not permitted.

Exceptions will only be made for medically necessary items and diaper bags if a child is present. They will need to be inspected.

Admission tickets are $12 for those 13 years and older, $8 for seniors 60 years and over, $6 for children between 4 and 12 years old and free for children 3 years and under. Ride tickets and wristbands are sold separately.

There are also some daily deals on admission tickets, which are listed below:

• Sunday, Aug. 25: Military Appreciation Day
  • Active and retired military get in free with military ID
• Monday, Aug. 26: Half-Price Day
  • All admission and ride wristbands are half-price
• Wednesday, Aug. 28: Read to Succeed Day
  • $1 off admission for those 13 years and older if you bring one new or gently-used children’s book
• Thursday, Aug. 29: Be a Giver Day
  • $1 off admission for those 13 years and older if you bring 1 or more canned goods
• Saturday, Aug. 31: Heroes Day
  • First responders get in free with ID

From opening day until Thursday, ticketholders can enjoy the fair from 5 to 11 p.m. each day. From the second Friday through the last day, the fair will be open from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. that final three-day weekend.

For more information on the fair, its schedule and relevant pricing, check out the 2024 Entertainment Guide .

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