Winfield, Kansas ˗ Officials at Walnut Valley Association (WVA) have announced a few changes to rules governing operation of golf carts and other small personal vehicles on grounds during the 48th Walnut Valley Festival in September.
The most significant change is an outright ban on use of unauthorized, gas-powered ATVs/UTVs on grounds during festival. Authorized ATVs/UTVs include those operated by WVA, security, vendors and local emergency personnel.
WVA Executive Director Bart Redford: “WVA decided to ban unauthorized, gas-powered ATVs, ORVs, UTVs and any other gas-powered non-golf cart vehicle from grounds because they are categorically different than the electric golf carts that have long been a part of the festival. Some of these vehicles go much faster than golf carts, and can be hazardous to pedestrians. Many of these vehicles are just as loud as motorcycles, which are not allowed to be driven through the campgrounds, and we had numerous complaints about these vehicles specifically. Some of these are large as a small car, and have been taking up much-needed camping space. After talking the issue over with law enforcement, we decided to take this step.”
Officials also noted that golf carts and other electric vehicles must adhere to Winfield city ordinances regarding their proper use and operation. In particular, Winfield does not allow operation of golf carts on city streets or highways past the boundaries of the fairgrounds. Some festival goers in past years have been known to ride their carts downtown or elsewhere, and so new signs will be posted at entrances to 9th and 14th Streets from grounds, alerting festival goers that no golf carts should be driven past these points.