Fairs across Ohio and the
country continue to struggle with the decision of what to do about their
respective fairs. At a special meeting of the Gallia County
Agricultural Society, the Fair Board continued to discuss the Covid-19
situation and how it would affect the upcoming Junior Fair. Directors
reviewed the “Responsible Restart Ohio” guidelines for county fairs in
which Governor Mike DeWine and Ohio Department of Health Director Amy
Acton recommend that for the 2020 fair
season, Agricultural Societies limit fairs to allow for only 4-H and FFA
“Junior Fair” activities. Therefore, the Fair Board has decided to
provide an opportunity for our exhibitors to show and display the
projects that are the result of this year’s work. This years Gallia
County Junior Fair will not be like the fairs of recent years. In fact,
it may more resemble the very first edition of the fair back in the
50’s. The current plan for the 2020 fair is to have a series of one day
shows during the week of the fair where projects could be shown,
judged, and market projects sold. The breeding show before the fair
would also proceed as planned. We are also planning on allowing the
display of non-livestock projects. As a result of the ”Responsible
Restart Ohio” plan for county fairs, some of the things that you will
not see are stage events, rides, and games. At this time, we are hoping
to have food concessions.
The various committees and departments of
the fairboard will be meeting in the days ahead to put plans in place
for everything to come together. Whatever format the 2020 fair should
be, we must abide by the most up-to-date rules and regulations set by
the state, the Gallia County Health Department, the Ohio Fair Managers
Association, the Ohio Department of Agricultural and any other
appropriate agencies. The fair board will continue to work with
agencies to insure that the necessary health and safety guidelines are
utilized.
As we continue to work this process, the health and safety
of junior fair participants and fair attendees will always be our first
priority. As the situation develops, the Fair Board will keep the
public and youth exhibitors informed. We ask for your understanding and
patience as this situation continues to unfold. As the summer unfolds
the situation can change which could result in other changes or even in
the cancelation of the 2020 fair. We are dealing with many unknowns and
whatever format the 2020 Gallia County Junior Fair should be, we must
again emphasize the health and safety of all in our decision making
process.