Protect Yourself From Accidents At The Marion County Fair

Bill Allen | March 24, 2025 | Personal Injury

As an Ocala, FL, native, you’ve probably heard of the Marion County Fair: a beloved annual tradition chock full of good old-fashioned fun, along with thrilling rides, mouthwatering fair food, and wild attractions that draw crowds from all around Ocala and beyond.

But as with any large gathering or event, there’s the potential for things to go wrong. Understanding these risks and taking the necessary precautions beforehand will help ensure your family has a day to remember for all the right reasons.

Navigating Crowds and Fairgrounds Safely

The sheer volume of people at the Marion County Fair sets the stage for accidents to happen. Slips and falls are unfortunately very common, especially with spilled drinks and food debris on uneven terrain or in crowded walkways.

Electrical cords, tent stakes, and bustling vendor booths are similarly dangerous, as they present trip hazards. And if you do fall for any reason, you’re at risk of getting trampled underfoot, particularly by a crowd surge near a popular attraction.

As such, you need to pay close attention to your surroundings, especially in high-traffic areas and around food or dining areas. This advice is even more vital if the weather is bad if you’re walking on grass or dirt, or if it’s nighttime.

Also, try not to get caught in the middle of a large crowd if you can help it. People are hard to avoid, of course, so if you can’t beat the crowds, stay to the side or close to an exit.

Ride Safety

While the fair’s biggest attractions — its rides — offer some amazing thrills, that infamous “You Must Be This Tall To Ride” sign is there for a reason.

Before you allow your child to hop on that roller coaster or strap into a bumper car, check that they fit the age, height, and weight restrictions, and make sure they understand all posted safety rules. Make sure you’ve secured all loose items (phones, wallets, and hats) from them as well.

If the ride doesn’t seem like it’s in good shape, it probably isn’t. It’s understandable for kids to be bummed out if their favorite merry-go-round horse is looking a bit worse for wear, but it is, of course, better not to take that risk. Report any concerns you have to a fair official.

Finally, as obvious as it may sound, keep an eye on your kids! They might be tugging on your arm to hurry up and make it to a ride or show in time, but let them tug; better that than having them run off alone and disappear into the crowd. Still, if you know they’re the type that likes to wander, establish a designated meeting point should you get separated.

Enjoying Treats Responsibly

The fair’s food is one of the most tempting parts of the experience, but just because it’s coming from a fun-looking concession stand doesn’t mean safety rules don’t apply. If you’re going to indulge, choose vendors who clearly follow food safety protocols, like handwashing, proper handling, and storage, especially if you’re getting something perishable.

Also, remember that heat and humidity can easily lead to dehydration; if you’re planning to make a day of it in the Florida sun, make sure you have plenty of water to drink.

What To Do if There Is an Accident

You can take all the precautions in the world and still suffer an accident.

If you or a loved one get injured at the Marion County Fair, here’s what to do:

Seek medical attention right away
Report the incident to fair officials or security personnel
Gather contact information from witnesses and take photos of the accident scene if necessary, especially if you believe it was caused by negligence

The Marion County Fair should be a fun and memorable experience. Following some common sense safety practices and being prepared helps ensure a safe and enjoyable time for everyone.

Contact Our Ocala Personal Injury Law Firm at Allen Law Accident & Injury Lawyers in North Central Florida

If you need legal assistance, contact the Ocala personal injury lawyers at Allen Law Accident & Injury Lawyers at your nearest location to schedule a free consultation today, we’re open 24 hours daily.

We have three convenient locations in Marion County and Alachua County, North Central Florida:

Allen Law Accident & Injury Lawyers – Ocala Office
112 S Pine Ave
Ocala, FL 34471
(352) 351-3258

Allen Law Accident & Injury Lawyers – Downtown Gainesville
621 W University Ave
Gainesville, FL 32601
(866) 928-6292

Allen Law Accident & Injury Lawyers – Gainesville Office
2550 SW 76th St #150
Gainesville, FL 32608
(877) 255-3652