State Fair Officials Clarify Non-smoking Areas of Fairgrounds

DES MOINES, IA (08/05/2008)(readMedia)-- Iowa State Fair officials have been busy in recent weeks implementing Iowa's Smokefree Air Act. In accordance with the new law, portions of the Fairgrounds will become smoke-free this year. The 2008 Fair is set August 7-17.

"We have spoken with numerous Fair vendors and businesses about how the Smokefree Air Act applies to them," said Fair Manager/CEO Gary Slater. "It has been a cooperative team effort between the Fair, the people doing business here and various state agencies to get no smoking signs posted throughout the Fairgrounds."

While smoking is still allowed in the walkway areas of the Iowa State Fairgrounds, the new law does apply to sections designated by no smoking signs. Smoke-free areas of the Fairgrounds include:

• Outdoor entertainment venues - designated seating areas of all free stage areas, building porches and grounds attraction areas.
• Restaurants and bars - both enclosed and open serving areas, eateries and concession stands.

As in the past, smoking is not allowed in buildings or in the Grandstand area.

For more information on the Smokefree Air Act, visit www.IowaSmokefreeAir.gov.

The 2008 Iowa State Fair runs August 7-17 - "U Gotta Love It." The Fairgrounds are located at East 30th Street and East University Avenue, just 10 minutes east of downtown Des Moines and are open 7 a.m. to 1 a.m. each day of the Fair. Exhibit hours vary. For more information, call 800/545-FAIR or check out www.iowastatefair.org.

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