Josephine County Fair setting up ‘free-expression area’

GRANTS PASS, Ore. (AP) — One southern Oregon county fair is setting up a “free-expression area,” with restrictions on bullhorns, signs and sound systems.

The Daily Courier reports the Josephine County Fair is setting up a 30-by-30 foot outdoor area near two of the entrances to a building where vendors will be set up for the upcoming fair.

The fair board recently banned signs except in areas where vendors and others have paid a fee to use them.

Fairgrounds director Tamra Martin says efforts have been made to create a “family-friendly,” entertaining event. She says the location of the “free-expression area” provides visibility for those wanting to be heard.

Kelly Simon with the American Civil Liberties Union in Portland says limits on free speech must be narrowly tailored to serve a government interest.