Exception to preemption?

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The Seafair Foundation is putting on a 4th of July celebration at Gasworks Park this Friday.

It takes place at a public park yet they say:

Prohibited Items
-Personal Barbecues
-Marijuana
-Alcohol
-Fireworks, explosives or incendiary materials or devices
-Pets, other than service animals
-Weapons and Firearms
-Glass bottles
-Illegal drugs

Firearm regulation is preempted by the state legislature. The city of Seattle cannot ban firearms in the park (they tried and were slapped down by the courts) but can a 501(c)(3) organization do it? And do they have anything greater than the threat of trespass prosecution if you were to violate their prohibition of the exercise of a specific enumerated right on public property?

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7 thoughts on “Exception to preemption?”

  1. Preemption laws need a penalty to enforce them.

    A harsh, personal and public penalty.

  2. They are going to prohibit illegal drugs? So it’s more illegaler now?

  3. Isn’t there a caveat to carry during festivals and concerts? I know it was a hot topic a few years ago after a gun was accidentally discharged at bumpershoot or folklife or something. Sorry if my mind is starting to suffer from senior moments. I can’t remember specifics. I am too old to go to outdoor concerts anymore, so I didn’t pay that close attention. This may also fall under the same rulings that allows the city of Tacoma to require background checks at the Tacoma dome during gun shows.

    • I thought the same. Carry at outdoor music festivals is prohibited – I imagine this would classify as very similar/same.

  4. Yes, there is an “outdoor music festival” exemption. I believe it’s if the expected attendance is 2k people or more. I have no idea how you’re expected to count, and they are not required to post the attendance…

    Regarding barring at the park, I have heard yes they can do it if they have paid to rent the facilities and they are closed off to the general public (like roped off and you have to pay admission). If it’s just something happening in the park, then no.

    • But probably only a “trespass” situation even then, right?

  5. I don’t think that it can be anything more than a “trespass” situation. Ask you to leave and that’s about it.

    I’d just carry it. Screw them. Unless they can guarantee your safety (which they can’t) and promise that no harm will come to you (which they won’t) and you choose to believe them (which you shouldn’t) you are still responsible for your own personal safety.

    Your options are carry anyway, or don’t go. I would not choose #3, which is submit to their stupidity and go unarmed, because they said so.

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