Weapons Policy

Ravenwood Estates and Queensland Faire are committed to the safety of our guests, actors, participants and staff. As such, we discourage the carrying of weapons, even as part of period costumes. However, if you do choose to carry weapons while in costume, or if you purchase weapons while upon the Shire, the following rules will be enforced. All decisions made by management regarding the following rules will be final.

All persons desiring entry are subject to the search of their person and belongings for prohibited items. Prohibited items upon the Shire include but are not limited to: outside food, drink, alcoholic beverages and prohibited weapons as described below. A full list of Prohibited Items is available in the Bag Search Policy document posted to the FAQ section of the website.

Concealed and open carry firearms are prohibited upon the Shire, except as required by law with regards to law enforcement personnel with properly presented credentials.

These arms are described as weapons relevant to the period portrayed while in costume. Such arms may include, but are not limited to: swords, daggers, maces, bows and arrows, and pikes. All arms must be secured or “peace tied” to the guest at all times in a holster protecting the blade and may not be removed from the holster. Any exposed blade or point must be of stage combat grade and must not pose a risk of injury to the guest or others. Security personnel are available at the front gate area to assist guests with the securing of weapons. Any person in possession of a weapon that is determined to be unsafe or unable to be made safe will be requested to secure it in their vehicle.

Replica and black powder guns as adornment to a costume must comply with the requirements set forth below:

Black powder guns must not be in an operable state.

•  The gun must be peace tied and not removed from its holster or belt while on the Shire. If the gun cannot be tied in a manner to prevent it from being drawn, it must be returned to the guest’s vehicle.
• The gun must not be capable of propelling any projectile.
• The gun must not have any percussion caps or flint stones.
• The gun must have the powder pan or the barrel plugged.
• The guest must not be in possession of any projectiles, black powder or any other removed parts while on the Shire.
• The gun must be clearly marked with a non-removeable orange tip.

• Staffs and wooden swords will be permitted provided they are handled responsibly and meet all other criteria.
• Resincastor solid rubber model guns that are easily identifiable as toys/props or are clearly marked with a non-removable orange tip.
• Fake,prop,or made-up weapons (i.e.made of foam, tissue paper, plaster of Paris, cloth)are permitted if they are safe and not dangerous to others around you.
• Examples of dangerous conditions include,but are not limited to,items that may trip others, items that can snag on people or surroundings, items that obstruct doors and hallways.
• Prop weapons shall be limited to less than six feet six inches (6'6") in height and less than fifty pounds (50lbs) in weight.
• Any chain must be less than three feet (3') in length regardless of material.This includes, but is not limited to, chain wallets and non-costume chains.
• Bows may be carried, provided they are NOT strung.
• All bows must comply with all other general policies - no live steel or sharp edges, and not more than 6'6" in height. Prop or toy arrows clearly marked as such are allowed. Arrows being carried as costume adornment must be “peace tied” together and/or have the arrow tips removed. If our staff feels your bow or materials do not meet all of these criteria, you'll be asked to remove the prop immediately from the Faire site.