HANDICAP ACCESS:
We would like to make sure that the Charlotte Mini-Con is easily accessible for ALL of our attendees.
If you, or someone in your group, require handicap access, please notify Karla Southern ([email protected]) so that we can arrange admittance for the back parking lot ahead of time.
If you need assistance for Handicapped Access on the DAY OF the show, please contact the Grady Cole Center directly:Â (704) 336-2884
COSTUMES:
While we will not be holding a Costume Contest at the 2019 Charlotte Mini-Con, we do encourage attendees who wish to attend in costume to come out and have fun! Please be advised that there will be a weapons check at the door and that all costume props must be either wooden or plastic to comply with the Grady Cole Center weapons policy. All replica weapons will need to be inspected and approved as a non-functional prop at the door before they will be allowed inside the Grady Cole Center. No metal weaponry of any kind will be allowed inside the Grady Cole Center. We appreciate your understanding and look forward to seeing all the great costumes you’ve created!
(Note: We ask that you please be respectful to the artists and exhibitors at Charlotte Mini-Con when taking photos with our costumed attendees. Please try not to block anyoneâs set-up when taking photos, and if you would like to stage a group photo, please try to do so outside of high-traffic areas. We want everyone to have a great time at our show and appreciate your help!)
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GRADY COLE CENTER – COSTUME & PROPS POLICY:
The following rules are to ensure the safety of those in attendance, and to allow those in costume to wear them responsibly within the venue. We appreciate the time and effort put into the creation of your costumes, props, and replica weapon/weapon-like items and understand that props and weapons are often a vital part of a characterâs costume. However, safety come first, therefore, it is imperative that any props, weapons or weapon-like items (called âweaponsâ from here on forward for simplicityâs sake) comply with the venue policy, as well as with all local, state, and federal laws. This policy is not a summary of the laws nor does this policy constitute legal advice. You are solely responsible for understanding and complying with all applicable laws.
Inspection Process All persons, bags, back packs, costume props and accessories will be subject to metal detection and inspection in the screening area prior to entering the venue. All props and accessories will be tagged for identification as a security measure. Any individual found inside the facility with a prop or accessory that is not tagged will be directed to the security screening area to receive an inspection and tag. There may be times where a judgement call by the inspectors will need to be made on the acceptability of a prop or weapon. Please understand that security reserves the right to refuse the entry of any prop or weapon it deems unfit, ill- constructed or unsafe to the event.
BRANDISHING:
Brandishing is defined as drawing, exhibiting, waving or using any item, prop or weapon in an unsafe manner. Any such display of an item, prop or weapon in an aggressive or threatening manner, real or implied regardless of intent, or any other activity thought to be unsafe is strictly prohibited. *The only exception to the brandishing rule is for photography/videography. For the limited period you are posing and if the area around you is clear of bystanders. You pose with an item, prop, or weapon in a brandishing-like manner so long as no reasonable person would interpret the pose as anything but safe and no real threat. However, please exercise great caution when doing so â we want everyone (including yourself) to be safe! Misuse of a prop or weapon can be considered grounds for removal or ejection from the facility. Anyone found fighting (simulated or otherwise) or threatening someone with an item, prop, or weapon will be immediately removed from the facility. The Security Staff, in their sole and absolute discretion, are empowered to determine whether an act constitutes âBrandishingâ and its severity.
PROHIBITED MATERIALS AND SHAPES FOR WEAPONS / PROPS:
⢠NO METAL
⢠NO BRITTLE MATERIALS (glass, acrylic sheet)
⢠NO SHARP EDGES OR POINTS â NON-RIGID, SOFT MATERIALS ONLY
Clubs & Bludgeoning Weapons:
⢠Keep weight in mind â the bigger an item is, lighter the construction material is required
Miscellaneous Weapons:
⢠No kunai â all kunai-type weapons regardless of construction material may not be used.
⢠*Kunai is defined as any hand held small âdagger likeâ knife
⢠Bows and slingshots may be used, but without bowstrings and propelling tubing
⢠Chains â no metal chains (Plastic chains are acceptable)
⢠Whips â whips which are peace-bonded to prevent uncoiling will be permitted.
GUNS:
⢠No replica guns of any type (REPLICA GUNS will be defined as any gun manufactured to look and feel like a real gun)
⢠No metal pellet / BB guns are allowed
⢠No paintball or airsoft guns are allowed
⢠No Replica ammunition, projectiles such as hand grenades, TNT, explosives etc.
⢠âNerfâ-type weapons â allowed as long as no ammunition is present
⢠Water guns â allowed as long as no liquid is present
Airspace:
No devices may be flown or tethered within the confines of the property. This includes drones, helium balloons and helium-filled products, or any lighter-than-air objects either powered or unpowered.
OTHER NOTEABLE RULES & PROHIBITED ITEMS:
⢠No Bicycles, Scooters, Skateboards or Hoverboards
⢠No Handcarts, Trolleys, Rolling Luggage, or Oversized Strollers
⢠No Selfie sticks, GoPro poles, stilts, or any device that extends your camera or phone away from your hand or body
⢠No Smoking, Including E-cigarettes and Vaping Products and Devices
⢠No outside food and beverages
⢠No costume themed live animals – SERVICE ANIMALS ONLY
Small hand carts like the one pictured will be allowed. Anything larger will be turned away.
Please budget additional time for the inspection of your costume, your props and bags. We recommend bringing as little as possible to get through the screening station quickly and efficiently.
Thank you for your compliance,
Grady Cole Center and American Legion Memorial Stadium Facility Management
Document Last Edited: January 11, 2019
