Visitor Waiver & Assumption of Risk

Bigfoot’s Farm · Bloomingdale, Jefferson County, Ohio · Last updated August 2026

We’ll be straight with you: this is the boring page. It exists because we invite people onto a working farm with large animals, uneven ground, and equipment, and because being decent to each other includes being clear about what everyone is agreeing to.

Please read it before you visit. By coming to Bigfoot’s Farm, you agree to everything below on behalf of yourself and everyone in your party, including any children in your care.

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Ohio Agritourism Notice

This notice is provided under Ohio Revised Code §901.80, which limits the liability of agritourism providers for injuries resulting from the inherent risks of agritourism activities.

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1. This is a working farm, not an attraction

Bigfoot’s Farm is a private, working family farm. It is not a licensed petting zoo, amusement facility, or public attraction. There are no paid staff, no handrails, no paved paths, and no safety infrastructure beyond ordinary farm fencing. Conditions change daily and without notice.

2. Inherent risks you are accepting

You understand and voluntarily accept that visiting a farm involves risks that cannot be eliminated, including but not limited to:

• Animals. Goats, horses, a donkey, dogs, cats, birds, and poultry are living creatures with unpredictable behavior. They may bite, kick, butt, head-bump, scratch, step on you, knock you over, chew clothing, eat personal property, or startle without warning — including animals that are normally gentle.
• Terrain. Uneven ground, mud, gravel, hills, holes, ruts, standing water, creeks, tree roots, stumps, and slippery or unstable footing.
• Structures and equipment. Fencing (including electric fencing), gates, barns, sheds, tools, ladders, tractors, machinery, trailers, and vehicles.
• Biological exposure. Manure, urine, hay, straw, dust, pollen, mold, insects, ticks, parasites, and animal-borne illness including zoonotic disease.
• Weather and environment. Heat, cold, sun, storms, wind, falling branches, wildlife, and stinging or biting insects.
• Your own conduct. Including negligence by you or others in your party that may contribute to injury.

3. Assumption of risk

You are visiting voluntarily and for your own enjoyment. You knowingly and freely assume all risks described above, both known and unknown, including risks arising from the condition of the property, the behavior of animals, and the conduct of other visitors.

4. Release and waiver of claims

To the fullest extent permitted by Ohio law, you release, waive, and discharge Michael Schricker, Mariah, their family members, guests, agents, and anyone else acting on behalf of Bigfoot’s Farm (the “Released Parties”) from any and all claims, demands, damages, actions, or causes of action arising out of or related to your visit, including any injury, illness, death, or property loss.

This release applies to claims arising from the inherent risks of agritourism activities and from ordinary negligence. It does not release the Released Parties from willful or wanton misconduct, or from any liability that cannot be waived under Ohio law.

5. Indemnification

You agree to indemnify and hold harmless the Released Parties from any claim brought by you, by anyone in your party, or by anyone acting on your behalf, arising out of your visit — including reasonable attorney fees and costs.

6. Children and minors

Anyone under 18 must be accompanied and directly supervised at all times by a parent or legal guardian. If you bring a minor, you confirm you are that child’s parent or legal guardian (or have their written permission), and you accept these terms on the child’s behalf. Children must remain within arm’s reach of an adult around all animals, fencing, water, and equipment.

7. Health, allergies, and medical care

You confirm that you and everyone in your party are physically able to participate and have disclosed any relevant allergies or medical conditions in advance. Farms contain common allergens including animal dander, hay, straw, dust, pollen, and nuts. We cannot guarantee an allergen-free environment.

If you carry emergency medication (such as an epinephrine auto-injector or inhaler), bring it with you. In an emergency we will call 911; you are responsible for all resulting medical costs.

8. Hygiene and animal contact

Animal contact carries a risk of illness. Wash your hands thoroughly after touching animals, fencing, or feed, and before eating. Do not put hands in your mouth, eat, drink, or smoke around the animals. People who are pregnant, immunocompromised, elderly, or under five are at greater risk and should take extra care.

9. Farm rules while you’re here

• Do not feed any animal anything unless we hand it to you and say it’s okay.
• Stay out of areas we haven’t invited you into. Closed gates stay closed.
• Do not touch, climb, or lean on fencing — some of it is electrified.
• No outside pets.
• No alcohol, cannabis, or recreational drugs on the property. Nobody impaired will be permitted to stay.
• No firearms, drones, or open flames.
• Wear closed-toe shoes you don’t mind ruining. No sandals or bare feet.
• Follow every instruction we give you, immediately, even if it seems abrupt. When we say “back up,” there’s a reason.

10. Right to refuse or end a visit

This is our home. We may decline, reschedule, shorten, or end any visit at any time for any reason — including weather, animal behavior, illness, safety concerns, or conduct we consider disrespectful to people or animals. No explanation is required.

11. Photography and media

We may take photos or video during your visit and use them on this website, in social media posts, in the book, and in other Bigfoot’s Farm materials. If you prefer not to appear, tell us when you arrive and we’ll respect it. Please don’t publish photos that reveal our exact address or road.

12. Privacy and location

We ask that you keep our specific location private and not share our address, geotag the property, or post directions publicly.

13. Personal property and parking

Park only where directed. You are responsible for your own belongings and vehicle. We are not responsible for loss or damage, including damage caused by animals, weather, gravel, or farm equipment.

14. No guarantees about animals

Animals may be unavailable, uninterested, sleeping, giving birth, at the vet, or simply having a day. We can’t promise any particular animal will be visible or willing to be touched. Gus in particular does what Gus wants.

15. Governing law

This agreement is governed by the laws of the State of Ohio. Any dispute will be brought in the state courts of Jefferson County, Ohio. If any part of this agreement is held unenforceable, the rest remains in effect.

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Acknowledgment

By visiting Bigfoot’s Farm, you confirm that you have read and understood this waiver, that you are signing it freely on behalf of yourself and everyone in your party, and that you intend it to be legally binding. If you do not agree, please don’t visit — no hard feelings, and the blog is still free.

Questions about any of this? Ask us. We’d rather answer than have you guess.