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Accessibility Guide

The Erie County Fair respects the need to accommodate its patrons with disabilities. Our intention is that everyone can enjoy the Fair. We have taken measures to address, and where possible, exceed the guidelines of the Americans with Disabilities Act. The Fair employs an ADA consultant who has assessed the grounds to ensure accessibility standards are maximized, employees and volunteers are trained, and need areas are addressed in advance of Opening Day. If you have questions regarding disability services, accessibility, and accommodations, please contact us.

Sensory Room
This space was created specifically to provide fairgoers a chance to escape to a sensory-friendly environment that looks to soothe and comfort a person who may be overwhelmed. Certain types of overstimulation that can occur at an event are loud noises, bright lights movement and a lot of people. This 16x19 room provides a chance to “get away” from all of the activity to calm down and is located in the lower-level of the security building. The Sensory Room will be open during regular operating hours of the fair, closing at 10:00pm daily.

The equipment and materials available in the Sensory Room were provided by our partners at Southtowns Audio, Shanor Electric Supplies; a division of NOCO and Mattress Firm.

Sensory Hours
In addition to the all new sensory room, there will be sensory hours on Tuesday, August 15th from 11:00am-2:00pm. We will create an environment designed with children and adults with autism or sensory processing disorders in mind. Our goal for those hours is to enable families who have a member, whether child or adult, with special needs to visit, explore and enjoy the Fair.

Service Animals
Service animals are allowed.
Emotional Support Animals (ESA) and pets are not allowed on the grounds. Security are trained to address and identify those dogs that are not service animals. You will not be permitted onto the grounds with your ESA or pet dog.
This policy is for the safety of our guests as well are your furry companion. Please do not bring your pet as you will be asked to remove them from the Fair and we do not want them to be sitting in a hot vehicle.
All animals (cattle, fowl, pigs, etc.) at the Fair are checked by a NYS Veterinarian when they arrive on the fairgrounds. Their living conditions are checked throughout the week to ensure that the animals are safe and treated properly.

Sensory Kits
Available at the Fairgrounds Main Office, Friends of the Fair Office, Security Building, Sensory Room and the Guest Services Booth near gate 5.

Other Power-Driven Mobility Devices
The Erie County Fair recognizes that some individuals will use Other Power-Driven Mobility Devices (OPDMD) based on personal needs due to their disability. The Fair respects the rights of individuals with disabilities and the devices utilized to be mobile. The Fair reserves the right to deny access based on the safety of patrons. This is based on capacity of the grounds, high volume pedestrian traffic to include children and confined spaces where patrons travel throughout.

1. Operators agree to provide personal assurance that the OPDMD is needed due to the Operator’s disability; questions as to the nature or extent of the operators disability cannot be asked.
2. Written verification that the Operator has completed a training program so as to provide assurance that (s)he can safely operate the OPDMD;
3. Operator must sign a General Release holding The Fair harmless from injuries to Operator or others resulting from Operator’s use of OPDMD;
4. OPDMD cannot be operated faster than normal walking speed (2- 4 miles per hour);
5. OPDMD must strictly observe and adhere to applicable safety rules and regulations governing the operation and use of OPDMD as published by the manufacturer of the unit;
6. OPDMD operator will be allowed access to the golf cart routes The Fair adheres for its personnel. A map will be provided.
7. OPDMD will be stored in a location that does not obstruct egress
8. OPDMD operator must remain with the unit at all times. If Operator stops for any reason, such as to use a restroom or a refreshment, Operator must secure the OPDMD in a location that does not impair the free movement of other patrons;
9. Use of the OPDMD may be temporarily prohibited in any or all parts of The Fair during times of highest/peak congestion.

Accessible Parking
All lots have accessible parking however the best lots to use are:
Lot 4 off of South Park
Lot 5 off of Clark Street
The Fair has exceeded the number of spaces mandated by the Americans with Disabilities Act.

Website
If you have any questions or suggestions on the accessibility of this website, ecfair.org, please contact marketing@ecfair.org

General Seating
Seating at events. All indoor and outdoor event seating will have accessible seating available which will be indicated by Accessible Seating signage.

Accessible Grandstand Seating
Accessible seating is available in the Grandstand for all concert and motor events.
For concerts, there is accessible seating in both the reserved and general admission sections.
For motor events, there is accessible seating in the general admission section located in the West grandstand.
Patrons with disabilities are allowed up to three companion seats.
All patrons in these sections will need an accessible ticket.
Please indicate your need for an accessible ticket(s) when purchasing.

Picnic Table Areas
All areas where there are picnic tables, such as Hickory Tree Park, there are accessible picnic tables designed for wheelchair users.

ASL Interpreter
There will be an ASL interpreter on site weekends during the Fair.
The events the interpreter will be at will be marked in the schedule of events listed on the website and app. If you have a need for an interpreter on weekdays or for presence at a specific event, contact us in advance of the show. ADA standards call for a two week notice, however, we will do our best to provide an interpreter on short notice.

Interpreter Schedule

The interpreter is on the grounds both Saturdays and Sundays of the Fair and will be at the following shows:

Saturday, August 12

2:00pm John Cassidy, Bizarre Balloonologist – Avenue of Flags Stage
4:30pm Hilby – Family Entertainment Complex Stage
7:00pm Swifty Swine Racing Pigs - Circusland
7:30pm Yung Gravy with BBNO$ - The Buffalo News Grandstand (concert ticket required for entry)

Sunday, August 13

1:30pm Veterans Memorial Service – Infield
4:00pm Traditional Veterans Honoring Ceremony – Nya:Weh Indian Village
5:30pm Ultimate Stunt Circus - Circusland
7:00pm Swifty Swine Racing Pigs - Circusland
8:30pm Hilby – Family Entertainment Complex Stage

Saturday, August 19

2:00pm Buckets N Boards, Comedy Percussion – Avenue of Flags Stage
3:00pm Swifty Swine Racing Pigs - Circusland
4:30pm Hilby – Family Entertainment Complex Stage
6:30pm Flippenout, Trampoline Show – Outside Showplace Building

Sunday, August 20

1:30pm Hilby – Family Entertainment Complex
3:00pm Swifty Swine Racing Pigs – Circusland
5:00pm NYS Police Demonstrations ft. K9 & Rappelling - NYS Police Building and Rappelling Tower
6:30pm Flippenout, Trampoline Show – Outside Showplace Building

Emergency Planning
The Fair employs an emergency manager who is versed in response to persons with disabilities and access and functional needs. They work closely with the ADA Consultant to address needs in advance of an emergency.

Braille/Large Print Programs
A schedule of events for the day is offered in Braille and Large Print at all Guest Services on the grounds.

Rentals
Guests who would like to rent a wheelchair, wagon, stroller or electric scooter may do so from Scootaround:
Reservations must be made at least a day prior to you coming to the Fair. Same day reservations are not available.
Credit card payment is required at the time of reservation, as is the day you plan on attending the Fair.
Full rate required at time of reservation, if wheelchair or electric scooter rental is returned within 4 hours, a credit will be issued.*

Rentals are distributed from locations at the Fair listed above through Scootaround Inc., not the Erie County Fair itself. Rentals are loaned on a first come, first served basis.

Walk up rentals are available but reservations can be made online here or over the phone at 1-888-441-7575, option 1.

If you have questions regarding the Fair- please call 716-649-3900, not the reservation number!

Locations at Fair
Gate 2 - off McKinley Pkwy or Quinby Dr, near the 4-H Youth Development Building
Gate 4 - off South Park Ave to the left of Hamburg Gaming
Gate 4a - located in the front lobby of the Event Center
Gate 5 - off Clark St
Pricing
Stroller: $11
Wagons: $17
Double Stroller: $17
Wheelchairs: $25
Electric Scooters $65