Many purses, backpacks and other carrying bags won’t be allowed at this year’s Ventura County Fair as part of a clear bag policy approved on April 28.
The new safety measure, OK’d in a 7-0 vote by board directors of the beachside fairgrounds in Ventura, allows for clear plastic, vinyl or PVC bags as well as clear purses, fanny packs and backpacks.
Small clutch bags — no larger than 5 inches by 8 inches — will be allowed as will bags used to carry medical items and diaper bags though a child will need to be present. Other nontransparent carry-ons that include purses, backpacks, fanny packs, camera bags and binocular cases will not be allowed.
Seat cushions that include storage pouches, mesh bags, and hydration packs that don’t meet size regulations or contain liquid will also be on the no-go list.
Fair officials said the new clear bag rules come as a safety-driven step that also allows for quicker and better screening. They said similar policies have been adopted by venues, including Cal Expo, the Big Fresno Fair, Dodger Stadium and others. They said the U.S. Department of Homeland Security pushes for such policies.
“It’s another security measure to make sure our fair is even more safe,” said Fairgrounds CEO Heidi Ortiz.
Patrick Maynard, new fairgrounds security director, said the measure has become an industry standard. He also noted that in past items buried in backpacks or other carrying cases have at times been missed during bag checks, allowing people to bring in flasks of alcohol and other items.
“It’ll expedite the searching process and prevent or reduce the likelihood of contraband being brought in whether it’s drugs, weapons, alcohol. You name it,” he said.
Directors approved the measure but also predicted it will create anxiety for fairgoers.
The 12-day fair begins July 29 and can attract close to 300,000 people. There could be problems if even 10% of fairgoers are caught unaware, said Director Leslie Cornejo.
“That’s 30,000 people,” she said. “We really have to do a massive campaign for this. We need to think about every way this might affect people.”
Ortiz said comprehensive outreach efforts are being planned and will encompass social media and signage not only at the fairgrounds but also at sites where people catch free shuttles to the fair.
The fairgrounds will have clear bags for people who forget them. Ortiz also said there are plans to allow people to stow their purses or other containers and pick them up when they leave the fair.
Directors emphasized the security advantages of the new policy.
“It’s not just for our convenience, to get you in quicker,” said Director Dan Long. “It’s for your safety.”
The clear bags that will be allowed will not be larger than 12 inches by 6 inches by 12 inches. Clear purses and backpacks will also be allowed in the same sizes. One-gallon clear plastic freezer bags will also be allowed.
Reusable water bottles will be allowed at entry gates but must be empty.
Ortiz said the policy will apply only to the fair and not to other fairgrounds events.
Officials also announced presale tickets for the fair will be available online beginning May 1 and will cost $13 for adults, $8 for people 65 and older and $8 for children ages 6 to 12 until May 25. Children 5 and younger are free.
Season passes for the fair will also be reduced, selling for $28 with no fees from May 4 to May 8.
When the fair arrives in the summer, full-priced tickets will be the same as last year: $20 for adults, $15 for seniors age 65 and older and $15 for youths age 6 to 12. Parking at the fairgrounds will be $20. Free shuttles will also be available.
For more information on tickets and the fair, go to VCFair.org.
Tom Kisken covers health care and other news for the Ventura County Star. Reach him at tom.kisken@vcstar.com.
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This article originally appeared on Ventura County Star: Clear-bag rules on way at 2026 Ventura County Fair. What to know
Reporting by Tom Kisken, Ventura County Star / Ventura County Star
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