County Fairs Quickly Augmenting Plans Following DeWine Ordered Restrictions

Presented by Hometown-Motors, Inc.

Following Governor Mike DeWine’s order placed on county fairs this week, limiting all fairs to Junior Fairs only during the COVID-19 pandemic, forced a handful of fair boards to amend their plans. 

The Governor’s order affects county and independent fairs with an opening day on or after July 31, 2020, will be limited to specific junior fair events.  

“We’ve seen several fairs that have been doing an excellent job to keep fair-goers safe, yet  other fairs have been connected to outbreaks; some have disregarded social distancing; and we’ve also seen a lack of enforcement of the statewide mask order. It’s just a real shame,” said Governor DeWine. “Because it is becoming increasingly clear that we cannot have a regular, safe fair in the summer of 2020, I believe we must now scale fairs back.” 

Junior fair activities such as livestock competitions and 4-H and Future Farmers of America competitions for kids and teenagers may continue as planned, but junior fairs must develop a plan that reduces crowding in barns, such as limiting entrance to only the immediate family of those actively showing their animals or projects. A 10 p.m. curfew will also be instituted for the barns, buildings, and midways. 

Harness racing can proceed with no spectators, but rides, games, and grandstand events will be prohibited to limit crowds and better prevent coronavirus spread. 

Locally, Pike Fair officials has had to work quickly for modifications with the cancellation of grandstand events like motorcross racing, the truck and tractor pull and demolition derby. 4H Clubs were to begin assembling their booths Friday with the first Horse Show scheduled for Saturday. Most all events involving livestock will go on as scheduled. 

Other county fairs feeling the immediate impact of the order include Preble (Eaton), Augilaize (Wapakoneta), Greene (Xenia), Gallia (Gallipolis), Columbiana (Lisbon), Medina (Medina) and Wood (Bowling Green). 

According to the Ohio Public Health Advisory Risk Levels released Thursday, Pike County (yellow) is at the lowest risk and Medina (red) is highest at Level 3. The other counties hosting fairs next week are at Level 2.

The Ross County Fair begins August 8, but last June, the Fair Board was proactive and voted to host a Junior Fair only.

As with any event today, check ahead before attending. Most are posting on their websites or social media sites with their latest important information for visitors.