Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Event Operations topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Richland County Fair committee warns volunteer shortage could strain gates and grandstand hours
Summary
Organizers said volunteer shortages are affecting gate staffing, grandstand ticketing and evening events; deputies and limited EMS coverage will be available and the committee set rules for unauthorized alcohol sales.
Organizers for the Richland County Fair told the Richland County Fair Committee they remain short of volunteers for gate and grandstand shifts, raising concerns about ticketing coverage for evening events.
The fair coordinator reported a steady need for volunteers to staff gates — particularly for evening events — and said organizers are still seeking people to work the grandstand and entry points. Committee members said free daily gates have shifted volunteer needs toward evening programming, when paid or delayed volunteers are less likely to sign up.
The committee described a staffing plan for gate operations: a first shift to take money at the grandstand and two people for side entrances, with exit‑only doors off the ends of the grandstand. Organizers said they will use invisible marking pens and flashlights to help prevent re‑entry and will station volunteers near exits.
Safety and medical coverage: committee members said they confirmed deputies will be present during the event and that on‑site ambulance staffing is not guaranteed for the entire weekend. The committee said basic first aid supplies and personnel trained in first aid and CPR will be available in the fair office; nearby EMS providers may be contacted if needed. Committee members said they will distribute radios to volunteers so staff can direct an emergency response and barricade entrances if a lost‑child or other significant incident occurs.
Alcohol policy: the committee reiterated that unauthorized alcohol sales from coolers will not be allowed. Officials said anyone observed selling alcohol from a cooler will be asked to remove the cooler and, on repeat violations, asked to leave the grounds. The committee plans to operate an authorized beer sales tent at the grandstand entrance to limit congestion.
No new staffing ordinance or formal vote occurred; committee members directed fair staff to continue volunteer recruitment, confirm deputy coverage, and finalize the beer‑sales layout before the fair.
