38th District Agricultural Association
Stanislaus County Fair
Free Speech Guidelines

Section 1 – Findings

It is the policy of the 38th District Agricultural Association (“Association”) to allow reasonable access to its grounds and to provide designated Free Speech Expression Zones for activities protected by the First Amendment to the United States Constitution and Article I of the California Constitution.

These guidelines establish the written policies of the Association governing the use of Fairgrounds property and designated Free Speech Expression Zones during the annual Stanislaus County Fair and other Fair-operated events.

Section 2 – Free Speech Expression Zone

A designated Free Speech Expression Zone is located outside of the admission gate in the North Parking Lot and is clearly marked with FREE SPEECH ZONE signage.

• The Free Speech Expression Zone located outside of the paid gate is available without charge on a first-come, first-served basis.
• All free speech activities conducted in this zone are limited to the hours during which the Fairgrounds are open to the public.
• All free speech activities must take place within twenty (20) feet of the posted Free Speech Zone sign.
• The Free Speech Expression Zone must be vacated and all equipment removed when the Fairgrounds are closed to the public.

Section 3 – Conditions for Use of Free Speech Expression Zones

The use of Free Speech Expression Zones is subject to the following conditions:

Equipment and Set-Up

• All equipment, tables, and materials must remain entirely within the assigned Free Speech Expression Zone and may not impede pedestrian movement.
• Permitted items include:
  • One table not exceeding eight (8) feet in length and up to four (4) chairs;
  • Signs placed on the table or directly in front of the table only, not exceeding two (2) feet by four (4) feet;
  • Pens, pencils, clipboards, paper, leaflets, and similar materials for distribution.
• All materials must be secured to prevent littering.

Content Restrictions

• No signs, displays, or distributed materials may contain fighting words, obscenities, or gruesome, grisly, or repulsive imagery prohibited by law.

Sound Devices

• The use of sound amplification devices of any kind is prohibited, including but not limited to megaphones, microphones, loudspeakers, or similar equipment.

Commercial Activity

• The sale or offer for sale of merchandise or services is prohibited, including the solicitation or acceptance of orders for goods or services.

Section 4 – Violations of Guidelines

Any individual or group that violates these guidelines may be directed to cease the activity and/or asked to leave Association property. Failure to comply may result in further action consistent with applicable law.