Despite shooting at what they call, “a moving target,” Union County Fair organizers are looking forward to this year’s fair.
They do know and want the community to understand this year’s fair, set for July 25 – Aug. 1, will be different. There will be no rides or vendors, limited food and camping and lots of opportunities to watch and participate online.
“Our main objective was to make sure our 4-H and FFA members got to show their hard work and do it safely,” said Angie Grose, with the Union County Fair.
Fair officials worked with the Union County Health Department (UCHD) on a safety plan. Grose said that has led to a “modified fair.”
“We are not going to cancel unless the governor comes in and says, ‘You are done,’” Grose said.
Livestock shows held in the show arena will be broadcast live on the fair’s website.
Fair board member Michelle Kuhlwein said she is “excited” about this opportunity for more people to watch the shows.
“There are so many people who can’t come or who really shouldn’t come, so they don’t have to,” Kuhlwein said. “We want people who do not feel comfortable coming, to not come.”
Fair organizers said the poultry, rabbit and horse shows, will not be in the show arena and will not be broadcast live.
“We are going to have a strong Jr. Fair,” said Christy Leeds, Ohio State University extension educator and 4-H Youth Development director.
She said it has been a “challenging year.” She added that considering most clubs couldn’t meet in person for months, “overall exhibitor numbers are really good this year.”
“Some areas are down slightly, others are the same as past years,” Leeds said.
The fair will have food vendors on the grounds for the week. The vendors will be required to follow local and state health department guidelines. The general public will also be permitted to enter the fair with a weekly pass if they would like to enjoy their fill of fair food.
Tickets, in the form of a weekly pass, will be sold online only. As part of the process, buyers will need to agree to a waiver releasing the fair of any responsibility if they get sick after the fair. Exhibitors and anyone on the fairgrounds this year will need to sign the waiver.
Grose said class sizes for some livestock shows could be smaller. She said masks for exhibitors “are recommended but not required.” Kuhlwein said the judges, who need to get closer to participants and their animals, will be asked to wear a mask.
Grose said animals will only be onsite for about 48 hours. While state guidelines have said animals could be at the fair 72 hours, local officials said they had already made a plan were going to stick with it.
“As one species is done showing and ready to go home, another one is moving in,” Grose said.
She said even in the barns, participants are being asked to maintain a distance when possible.
“We are encouraging them, if your neighbor is in in the barn feeding or cleaning, wait till they leave,” Grose said. “We are trying to alternate and stagger the kids being in the barn.”
She said the fair is not prohibiting spectators from going to the barns, “but it is discouraged.”
Special interest judging will take place the week before the fair so social distancing and reduced capacity guidelines can be met. No projects will be left on display.
This year’s fair will begin as it usually does, with live harness racing. Initially state officials were prohibiting spectators and wagering, though they have lifted that prohibition.
Signs reminding participants about social distancing, good hygiene, and reducing clusters are being posted around the fairgrounds. Additionally, there will be messages played periodically over the public address system as well as during all activities. Fair officials have added hand washing and sanitizing stations around the grounds. Masks will be required in the Jr. and Sr. fair board offices. The board will conduct temperature checks of all volunteers and staff each day.
“Union County has been very good to keep their numbers low and hopefully what we are doing will help us keep it that way,” Grose said.
She said the board appreciates those who are being flexible and is asking for, “patience as we move forward.”