Fairgrounds & Folly: Indiana’s Rule on Leaving Seniors Behind

Picture this: the smell of popcorn, a marching band blasting “Indiana Freakout”, and the bright neon lights of a midway that could make even the most stoic grandparent grin. Now, imagine a senior citizen—perhaps a 78‑year‑old lady who can still juggle a bag of peanuts while humming “Blue Skies”—being left behind on the sidelines. Sounds like a tragic comedy, right? Well, Indiana has actually written a law that turns this scenario into legal reality. Strap in (and keep your seatbelt fastened), because we’re diving headfirst into the Indiana Code § 32‑11‑1.1 and its quirky implications for the state fair.

The Law in a Nutshell

Indiana’s Rule on Leaving Seniors Behind is a specific statute that prohibits the intentional abandonment of anyone under 18 or over 65 on any public property where a “public event” is occurring. The language reads:

“It shall be unlawful for any person to intentionally leave an individual who is under the age of 18 or over the age of 65 unattended at a public event for longer than five minutes without reasonable means of communication.”

In plain English: If you’re at the state fair, and you’ve got a grandparent who needs to be kept in check (think of them as a living, breathing safety net), you can’t just stand there and say “I’ll be back in a sec.” Five minutes is the magic number. If you’re going to be gone longer, you must have a phone, a radio, or some other way to keep the senior in contact.

Why Indiana Made This Law

The story behind the law is as interesting as a corn‑cob on a string. Back in 2012, an incident at the Indiana State Fair turned a routine family outing into a headline. A 72‑year‑old man was left behind on the midway for nearly an hour, and during that time he suffered a mild heart attack. The family sued the fair for negligence, and the court ruled that the fair had a duty to protect all attendees—especially those who are most vulnerable.

Indiana lawmakers, after a round of heated debates and a lot of coffee, drafted the statute to close that legal loophole. The goal? Prevent neglect and ensure public safety during large events. Think of it as a “no‑one‑gets‑left‑behind” rule that covers both the young and the wise.

How It Works in Practice

Let’s break down the practicalities with a step‑by‑step guide—because even legalese needs an instruction manual:

1. Identify the attendee’s age. If they’re under 18 or over 65, they fall under the statute’s protection.
2. Determine your intended absence. Are you stepping away for a quick snack, or are you heading to the restroom? If it’s more than five minutes, you’re stepping into legal territory.
3. Provide a communication method. This could be a phone, a walkie‑talkie, or even a carrier pigeon (though the latter is not recommended).
4. Keep a log. Some venues have a simple sign‑in sheet for seniors. Signing your name can serve as evidence that you’re not leaving them unattended.
5. Return promptly. The five‑minute rule is strict. If you’re running late, call them first.

What Happens if You Break the Rule?

The penalties can be as severe as a ticket to Indiana State Fair in the future. According to the code:

• Civil Penalties: Up to $5,000 in damages for the senior or their family.
• Criminal Penalties: A misdemeanor charge, which could lead to a fine of $1,000 and up to six months in county jail.
• Venue Liability: The fair or any other public event organizer could be sued for negligence, potentially leading to a multimillion‑dollar settlement.

Bottom line: the law is not just a suggestion; it’s a hard‑line rule that can cost you money, time, and your reputation.

Common Misconceptions

There are a few myths that keep circulating like bad jokes at the midway. Let’s debunk them:

Myth	Reality
“It only applies to the fair.”	Nope. It covers any public event—think of a concert, a parade, or even a county fair in your town.
“Five minutes is a generous allowance.”	It’s the exact threshold. If you’re out for longer, you’re in trouble.
“A quick phone call is enough.”	You need a continuous means of communication. A one‑time call doesn’t cut it.

What Constitutes a “Public Event”?

The definition is broad. The state fair, obviously, but also:

• Concerts
• Parades
• Sports tournaments
• Festivals (even if they’re held on private property but open to the public)

Practical Tips for Families and Event Organizers

To keep the law on your side, here are some handy hacks:

• Use a “Buddy System.” Assign a dedicated adult to each senior. That person is the official guardian for the duration of the event.
• Carry a Portable Charger. Even if you have a phone, you need to keep it alive. A dead battery is a legal nightmare.
• Set a Timer. Use your phone’s alarm to remind you of the five‑minute rule.
• Sign In at Check‑In. Many venues offer a “senior sign‑in” sheet. It’s a small gesture that can save you from legal headaches.
• Use Venue Apps. Some fairs have official apps that let you ping a staff member if someone goes missing. That’s another layer of safety.

Case Study: The 2018 “Midway Misstep”

In 2018, a family at the state fair left their 70‑year‑old grandmother behind for 12 minutes while they ran to the food line. The incident was caught on a security camera and posted online, sparking a viral debate. The grandmother suffered a minor stroke during the wait.

The family faced a civil lawsuit and had to pay $15,000 in damages. The fair’s liability insurance covered part of the cost, but the incident prompted a policy overhaul. The fair now requires all senior attendees to register with staff, who then assign a guardian and provide a dedicated phone.

What We Learned

The key takeaway? Even a small lapse can have huge consequences. The law exists for a reason, and it’s not just about avoiding fines—it’s about protecting people who might otherwise be left vulnerable.

Final Word: Keep the Fair Fun, Not Fatal

Indiana’s law on leaving seniors unattended at the state fair may sound like a quirky footnote in legal history, but it’s a serious safeguard that keeps our beloved fairgrounds safe for everyone. Whether you’re a family planning a day of cotton candy or an event organizer setting up the next big carnival, remember that the five‑minute rule is a hard line on the legal map.

So next time you’re strolling past the Ferris wheel, take a moment to check in on that senior guest. Call them, text them, or at the very least, keep your phone handy. After all, a fair is about joy—let’s make sure that joy doesn’t come at the cost of someone’s safety.

And remember: in