KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (AP) – Governor Bill Haslam said he agrees with the city of Knoxville's decision to ban all guns from the Tennessee Valley Fair.
But the Knoxville News Sentinel reported that the governor also said the Knoxville controversy pointed to the need to clarify a new state law allowing handgun-carry permit holders to go armed in local parks.
Knoxville Mayor Madeline Rogero said guns won't be allowed at the fair because the new state law prohibiting cities and counties from banning permit-holders from going armed in local parks under their control doesn't apply to Chilhowee Park.
Although Chilhowee Park has been owned by the city, city officials contended it was not a "park" as defined by the law but rather a "public assembly, entertainment and education venue."
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