FAQ

ATMs

ATMs are available in multiple locations on the grounds. One is always in front (east end) of the Family Arts & Crafts Building. Here's some other tips:

NO ATMs are available at the gates. Cash is only accepted at the fairgrounds gates and at the grandstand ticket booth.
Some of the Carnival Ticket Booths accept credit cards.
If there is a problem with an ATM, go to the Carnival Customer Relations tent located down the midway road, along the south side of the Family Arts & Crafts Building.

Covid-19 Information

We are working diligently to have our Fair! We will modify or cancel some events for safety reasons. If you are more comfortable wearing a mask or social distancing, please do so even if not required! In Indiana, the mask mandate has been lifted. We cannot police everyone, so please be courteous - social distance if necessary, wear a mask where needed and use hand sanitizer or hand washing stations positioned at multiple locations throughout the fairgrounds!

Eligible Indiana residents can schedule a vaccine appointment by visiting https://ourshot.in.gov or calling 211.

Cooling Station

On a hot August day at the fair, take a break and cool off in The Cooling Area, which is available in the south end of the 4-H Building, located at gate #2, east area of the fairgrounds. Air conditioned building (only one on the fairgrounds), with chairs set right by bathrooms and mother's nursing area. Refreshed, you can continue on to the areas you have missed at the fair!

Credit Cards

Carnival Ticket Booths - Some of the ride ticket booths do accept credit cards.
Food Booths and Vendors - Some booths and vendors do accept credit cards but many do not. Cash is still "King" here!
Gates - Cash Only is accepted at our admission gates, no credit cards.
Grandstand - Cash Only - maximum $20.00 bills are accepted for purchasing grandstand tickets approximately 2 hours before the day of the show you would like to attend, at the ticket booth located at the main entrance of the grandstand. If you need change, the Treasurer's Office, located in the Family Arts & Crafts Building at the west end can change larger bills for you.
ATMs - Are available in multiple locations on the midway where the rides are, by the horse arena and barns, by the grandstand entrance and at the east end outside of the Family Arts & Crafts Building.

First Aid, Medical Assistance

This location is being moved and when we have the new location - it will be posted.

Hotels

Accommodations at I65 and Rt. 30, Merrillville, Indiana

Clarion Inn - 7850 Rhode Island Ave., Merrillville, IN 219-756-1600
Knights Inn - I65 & Rt. 30, Merrillville, IN 219-736-5100
LaQuinta Inns - 8210 Louisiana St., Merrillville, IN 800-687-6667
Red Roof Inn- I65 & Rt 30, Merrillville, IN 219-738-2430
Hampton Inn - 8353 Georgia, Merrillville, IN 219-736-7600
Holiday Inn Express - 8375 Georgia, Merrillville, IN 219-795-9500

Lactation Station

A Mother's Nursing Station is offered by the NWI Breastfeeding Coalition and is located in the south end of the 4-H Building where the Cooling Center is set up with chairs for people just wanting to take a break and be in air conditioning!

Lost and Found

The Lake County Sheriff's Department is located in the Security Trailer just north of the Family Arts & Crafts Building and east of the main bathrooms behind the Family Arts & Crafts Building. Knock on the door and a policeman will be happy to help you!

This location is used for lost persons and lost items brought to the fair. If you have a lost person, you can also talk to one of the policeman patrolling the grounds. The Sheriff's Department in the Security Trailer is the only location that can page for lost persons. Paging is done at their discretion.

Security

The Lake County Sheriff's Department is located in the Security Trailer just north of the Family Arts & Crafts Building and east of the main bathrooms behind the Family Arts & Crafts Building. Knock on the door and a policeman will be happy to help you!

The Sheriff's Police patrol our grounds constantly during the fair and someone is located at/in the security trailer at all times for your convenience.

Souvenirs

Take home a souvenir of your visit to the Fair! Hats, shirts and magnetic picture frames are available to purchase in Heritage Hall, attached to the Agriculture Building.

Vehicles Rented

1 of 3

Randy's Mobility Rental 407-492-2321 rents the following equipment on a CASH ONLY basis and is available across from the Handicap Parking Lot through gate #1 and next to the Handicap Parking Lot through gate #4. No reservation is necessary, first come first serve:

Scooter - $50.00 per day or $10.00 per hour if less than 5 hours. (1st picture)

Companion Chair - $25 per day or $5.00 per hour if less than 5 hours. (2nd picture)

Wheelchair - $25.00 per day or $5.00 per hour if less than 5 hours. (3rd picture)

Wagon - $25.00 per day or $5.00 per hour if less than 5 hours. Pull type wagon with sides. (no picture)

Strollers - are not available for rental on the grounds.

What To Eat

Food - Food - and more - Food! There are many items for sale that will satisfy everyone's taste buds throughout the grounds.

A large picnic area is located just north of the main bathrooms amongst shade trees in a grassy area west of the Horse Arena and the row of concessions. Another smaller area is located in the middle of some of the concession stands just south of the Horse Arena.

You may also bring in your own food and drink.
No alcohol is allowed.
No grilling in the picnic area is allowed.

What to Wear

It is very important to wear appropriate clothing at the Fair:

Our weather can change within minutes. Consider having extra clothes in your car if parked in the fairgrounds, or in a backpack to carry with you. A jacket or raincoat may come in handy. We do not have pass outs at the gates to come and go, so you would have to pay if you leave the fairgrounds and want to come back in.
Open toed shoes, sandals and flip flops are great at the beach and other places, but at the Fair, a more sturdy shoe is suggested. The animal barns are not all paved so you may get your shoes (feet) dirty, the picnic area is shaded but in a grassy area where you might accidently walk on something dropped, you may be going up and down bleachers which may cause you to trip or fall in flip flops and sandals and riding rides that take you up in the air where flip flops and sandals can fall off. We suggest gym shoes or a full shoe that completely covers your feet.

Regulations and Damages

Animals not involved with the Fair exhibits or being used as service animals, alcohol and weapons of any kind are prohibited from the fairgrounds during the Lake County Fair.

The Lake County Agricultural Society, who puts on the Lake County Fair, will take every precaution to properly protect patrons, exhibitors, exhibits and/or animals. However, we will not be liable for the safety of exhibits, animals, exhibitors, employees, families or patrons. Nor will we be liable for losses or damages sustained due to vandalism, theft, weather, fire, accidents, or any other cause. Exhibitors or patrons wishing to insure themselves, their belongings, or their livestock may do so at their own expense.

Flagship Sponsor