News Summary
To enhance public safety during the upcoming Southern Kentucky Fair, organizers have announced a Clear Bag Policy. This is set to improve entry efficiency by allowing only specific types of clear bags. Attendees will undergo security checks, and those with clear bags will benefit from expedited lines. The fair will run from July 21 to July 26, with various entertainment options and food vendors. This move aims to ensure a safer environment for all guests attending the event.
Bowling Green, KY – In a move aimed at enhancing public safety and improving entry efficiency, the Southern Kentucky Fair (SOKY Fair) has announced the implementation of a Clear Bag Policy for its upcoming 2025 event. The policy, endorsed by the Bowling Green/Warren County Jaycees and the SOKY Fair Board, outlines the types of bags allowed for entry in an effort to align with security measures observed at similar large-scale events.
The Clear Bag Policy will require all attendees to comply with specific bag guidelines when they arrive at the fair, which is scheduled to take place from July 21 to July 26, 2025. According to the organizers, this initiative is expected to enhance safety for all guests while also expediting the entry process through quicker security checks.
Approved and Non-Approved Bags
The policy clearly defines what is and isn’t permitted on fairgrounds. Approved bags include:
- Clear plastic, vinyl, or PVC bags measuring no larger than 12” x 6” x 12”.
- One-gallon clear plastic freezer bags (like Ziploc bags).
- Small clutch bags that do not exceed 4.5” x 6.5” in size, which may be non-clear but will require inspection.
- Clear fanny packs or backpacks of the same maximum size (12” x 6” x 12”).
- Medically necessary items subject to inspection at entry points.
- Diaper bags permitted only when accompanying a baby or toddler and containing only baby supplies, also subject to inspection.
On the other hand, non-approved bags include non-clear backpacks, purses, or totes that exceed the specified size, as well as tinted or printed pattern plastic bags, oversized totes, and any bag designed to carry personal items that do not meet the provided criteria.
Inspection Procedures and Entry Regulations
All bags, wagons, strollers, coolers, and jackets will undergo inspection at the entrance. To ease the flow of guests, those utilizing clear bags will gain access to expedited security lines. In contrast, attendees with non-clear bags that are permitted, such as medical or diaper bags, will face additional screening processes. Any guest carrying prohibited bags will be required to return them to their vehicles or dispose of them at the entrance.
Exceptions to the bag policy apply to medically necessary items and diaper bags, but these must also pass inspection. Furthermore, guests are advised that medications should be placed in clear bags for easier visibility. Once inside the fairgrounds, attendees are allowed to use non-clear bags for shopping and carrying purchased items.
Prohibited Items and Fair Details
In addition to bag regulations, a range of items is strictly prohibited on the fairgrounds, including weapons, alcoholic beverages, outside food or drinks (with the exception of sealed water bottles or baby supplies), drones, and gang-related clothing. The grounds are private property, and local law enforcement along with security personnel may be involved in screening procedures.
The SOKY Fair has reported record attendance figures in previous years, with last year’s event drawing one of its largest crowds to date. The organizers anticipate an even bigger turnout for the 2025 fair, bolstered by a diverse lineup of entertainment that includes live praise and worship music, themed nights featuring princess characters, and a horse show. Fairgoers can also expect an expanded selection of carnival rides and attractions, in addition to numerous food vendors and food trucks.
Entry fees for the fair will be set at $15 from Monday to Wednesday and $20 from Thursday to Saturday, covering all rides and events but excluding food and vendor purchases. By implementing the Clear Bag Policy, the Southern Kentucky Fair aims to create a safer and more enjoyable environment for all attendees.
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Additional Resources
- WBKO: SOKY Fair Implementing Clear Bag Policy
- BG Daily News: SOKY Fair News
- Go Blue Raiders: Middle Tennessee Baseball
- MILB: Montgomery Magic Walk-off Bowling Green
- FIU Sports: Women’s Basketball to Bowling Green
- Wikipedia: Clear Bag Policy
- Google Search: SOKY Fair
- Google Scholar: Clear Bag Policy
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Public Safety Event Management
- Google News: SOKY Fair 2025
Author: STAFF HERE BOWLING GREEN WRITER
The BOWLING GREEN STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREBowlingGreen.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Bowling Green, Warren County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the National Corvette Homecoming, International Festival, concerts at SKyPAC, and sports events at Beech Bend Park. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Bowling Green Area Chamber of Commerce and the African American Museum Bowling Green Area, plus leading businesses in automotive, apparel, and healthcare that power the local economy such as General Motors Corvette Assembly Plant, Fruit of the Loom, and Med Center Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERELexingtonKY.com and HERELouisville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Kentucky's dynamic landscape.
