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Step-by-Step
Guide to
Banquet Rentals

Calendar of
Available Dates

Detailed Information &
Frequently Asked Questions!

We want your event to be a success! The following are the basic conditions of use established for the facility.

Please call us at 254/750-8631 or email us at ElicF@ci.waco.tx.us (or click here) if you have any questions.

When is My Reservation Confirmed?

Your date is considered to be reserved when:

       (1) a Rental Agreement is completed tuned in with
       (2) a nonrefundable deposit of half the rental fee of $175.

A reservation is not "locked in" until the agreement and deposit are received.

The remaining balance must be paid no later than two weeks prior to use of Knox Center.

Please Note: Changes to room set-ups made less than three days before the event incur an additional $75 set-up fee.

Caterers

Are their Catering Fees?

Renters must guarantee that caterer(s) serving food or liquor will pay the customary 10% of their catering fee to the Texas Ranger Hall of Fame and Museum. This does not apply to light conference refreshments such as donuts, sodas and coffee.

Do Caterer's Need to Carry Liability Insurance?

Caterers are required to carry the customary of $500,000 liability insurance and possess a food handler’s certificate and county health certificate. A list of caterers pre-approved by the City of Waco is provided here.

What Must Caterers do?

Caterers are expected to bus tables and remove trash to the dumpster after the event. Failure to do so will subject the caterer to a clean-up charge of $125.00 and possible loss of catering privileges.

All food and liquor service equipment must be removed immediately after the event.

Insurance & Liquor

Is Liquor Insurance Required? Who can serve alcoholic beverages?

For your protection and that of the TRHFM, renters are required to carry apropriate liability insurance. The minimum limits are:

• Property Damage: $1M minimum per occurrence and $1M minimum aggregate
• Bodily Injury: $250,000 per person $500,000 aggregate
• Workers’ Compensation: Statutory (if employees are retained)

A special low cost program approved by the City of Waco is in place to provide such insurance for a nonrefundable fee of $50 per day. Please ask the Banquet Office for details.

Renters may secure their own insurance or use an existing policy if:

(1) The certificate of insurance is presented two weeks before the event,
(2) it names the Texas Ranger Hall of Fame & Museum as an additional or co-insured with the above minimum limits.

A wedding toast may be done without a licensed vendor, liquor license or insurance, but only a toast—not what would constitute liquor service.

Liquor Handling

Alcoholic beverages must be dispensed by holders of Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission permits and proof of $500,000 liability insurance. Renters are not permitted to dispense liquor.

Security

Events Requiring Security Officers

Security is arranged by the museum only through the City of Waco Park Rangers*. The level of security required is at the discretion of the Director of the Texas Ranger Hall of Fame and Museum.

Events featuring dancing and/or liquor, and student events, require:

• One (1) licensed security guard for up to 150 persons and
• Two (2) security guards at events with more than 151 persons.

All student/fraternity/sorority events require two-security guards. Appropriate numbers of chaperones must be provided for student events.

*Law Enforcement Sponsored Events: The following law enforcement agencies may appoint a sworn officer as security for their sponsored events: Texas Rangers, Texas Highway Patrol, Texas Department of Corrections, Waco Police Department or McLennan County Sheriff's Department.

Equipment

Removal of Decorations, Bartending Equipment and other Property

Renters are required to remove all decorations, equipment and property immediately after the event is over. Storage is not available on-site.

The Texas Ranger Hall of Fame and Museum assumes no responsibility for materials left after an event. Materials left longer than ½ day after the event may be considered abandoned and become the property of the City of Waco.

Approval of Electrical Equipment, Amplifiers, and Cooking Equipment

All electrical equipment must be approved before the event by the Physical Plant Supervisor, Texas Ranger Hall of Fame to avoid overloading the wiring.

Prohibited

The following are prohibited due safety, risk of fire, false alarms or insect infestation:

• smoking - Knox Center is smoke-free
• smoke generators
• confetti
• lit kerosene lanterns or candles
• bales of hay
• dirt
• firearms (except as carried by security and law enforcement officers)
• pyrotechnics (fireworks, sparklers)
• portable stoves/fryers (unless previously approved)

Auctions and Sales

Sales or auctions are approved solely at the discretion of the Director, Texas Ranger Hall of Fame and Museum.

Nonprofit gambling or casino nights must be approved by the Director and must be inconformity with State and local statutes.

Sales of antiques, firearms, artworks and “collectibles” are permitted only if the sale is sponsored by, and primarily for the benefit of, clubs or organizations holding IRS 501(c)(3) or 170(c) exemptions. The majority of commissions and/or proceeds must benefit the nonprofit club or government organization -- not an auctioneer or promoter.

The name of the Texas Ranger Hall of Fame and Museum may not be used to imply sponsorship or sanction without the written permission of the Director, Texas Ranger Hall of Fame and Museum.

No rummage, flea market or garage-type sales are permitted.

The Director of the Texas Ranger Hall of Fame and Museum may require renters to remove merchandise deemed to violate local, state or federal laws, or violate commonly accepted museum standards. The decision of the Director is final.

Thanks.