Chesterfield County Fair Opens with Heat-Safety Measures
TL;DR: The Chesterfield County Fair, running through September 5, has implemented cooling resources including misting tents and shaded areas as temperatures remain high.
Quick facts
- Who: Chesterfield County Fair organizers, General Manager Brenda White Vaughn, Fire and EMS Battalion Chief Sal Luciano
- What: Nine-day fair with cooling measures including misting tents, shaded areas with fans, and shaded dining spots to help visitors stay safe during high heat
- When: August 28 through September 5, 2026
- Where: Chesterfield County Fairgrounds, 10301 Courthouse Road, Chesterfield
The story
The 115th Chesterfield County Fair is running through September 5 with enhanced cooling resources to help visitors manage the heat. Fair General Manager Brenda White Vaughn announced the measures, which include shaded areas with fans, a dedicated misting tent, shaded eating spots in the dining pavilion, and ground acts with covered areas. Chesterfield County Fire and EMS Battalion Chief Sal Luciano emphasized the importance of heat awareness.
Fair organizers recommend that visitors stay hydrated, wear light-colored clothing, visit during evening hours when temperatures are lower, and seek shade when needed. Fire and EMS crews are stationed on-site to respond to any emergencies. Officials also provided guidance on recognizing heat-related illness: heat exhaustion symptoms include dizziness, fatigue, and rapid pulse, while heat stroke may cause confusion, vomiting, and a cessation of sweating.
The fair operates Monday through Friday from 5 p.m. to 11 p.m., except Friday, September 4, which runs 11 a.m. to 11 p.m., and Saturdays and Sundays from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Visitors can enjoy nine days of concerts, food, carnival rides, pageants, horse competitions, educational exhibits, and petting zoos. Fair organizers are expecting approximately 60,000 visitors to pass through the fairgrounds during the run.
Key players
- Brenda White Vaughn: General Manager of the Chesterfield County Fair
- Sal Luciano: Chesterfield County Fire and EMS Battalion Chief
- Chesterfield County Fair Association: Nonprofit organization that operates the annual fair
Key dates
- 2026-08-28: Chesterfield County Fair opens
- 2026-09-05: Chesterfield County Fair closes
Why it matters: As heat continues to pose health risks during outdoor events, the fair's proactive measures allow Chesterfield County residents to participate in a longstanding community tradition while protecting their wellbeing. The availability of cooling resources and on-site emergency personnel provides reassurance to families attending with children and elderly relatives.
Places
Development timeline
- 2026-08-28Chesterfield County Fair opens for nine-day run: The 115th Chesterfield County Fair opens at the Chesterfield County Fairgrounds with approximately 60,000 expected visitors. [source]
- 2026-09-01Heat safety measures announced for fair: Fair organizers announce cooling resources including misting tents, shaded areas, and on-site Fire and EMS crews to help visitors manage high temperatures. [source]
Related links
Read the original at NBC12 / WWBT News →
Sources
- Chesterfield County Fair Takes Steps to Help Visitors Beat the Heat
- Chesterfield County Fair Opens for Nine-Day Run
- Chesterfield County Fair