Wright County District Junior Fair Manager Tricia Rosendahl, along with the entire Fair Board, announced last Friday, May 29, that they have made the difficult decision to officially cancel all grandstand, grounds entertainment, food stands, carnival, open class exhibits, camping and vendors for the 2020 fair, originally scheduled to take place July 8 – 13.
“This has been a very agonizing decision. It was not made lightly,” Rosendahl stated.
The board actually spent many weeks trying to figure out what would be the best approach…best for the kids, best for the fair, and best for the entire county. Ultimately, the presence of the unknown in the COVID-19 pandemic gave way to play on the side of caution. The good news is, that although all public events have been cancelled, this does not mean that the hard work of the 4-H and FFA youth will go unrecognized.
“Our immediate focus will be with our youth, and to provide a safe and healthy experience for them this summer,” said Rosendahl in a press release last week.
According to her, both livestock and static exhibits schedules are in the works. Contrary to what some people might think, it will not be virtual judging. Instead, the fair board and extension staff are working on an FAQ document to send out to exhibitors. What they want to make clear is that while exhibitor competition will take place on the fairgrounds, only the exhibitor and their immediate family members will be allowed on the fairgrounds. These shows and judgings will not be open to the public. Ribbons, trophies and premiums will still be presented as in years past, but one thing’s for sure, this will not be the fair our county is used to.
Information released at this time states:
The Wright County Fair Board and Wright County Extension Staff are currently working on the details of this “Youth Exhibitor Fair” plan that will be most safe and reasonable. You should know the schedule will be different. The show schedule will be adjusted to include only a few shows each day. Most livestock will come the day before the show and leave the day of the show. For Static Exhibits (usually displayed in the 4-H building), a schedule for times when projects will be judged with more information will come as we approach July. Exhibitors are asked to please enter your static exhibits into Fair Entry as well so we know what you have to exhibit and can continue to plan accordingly. Details and directions will be emailed directly to families and volunteers when confirmed and finalized. These plans will be subject to change pending all health and safety concerns and stipulations set upon large events.
In light of this information, the Fair Board encourages 4-H and FFA exhibitors to keep working on static exhibits, clothing event exhibits, and with your animals.
The board is also currently exploring options to live stream each show so others not able to attend can have the opportunity to watch virtually. They are working with RW Sound out of Iowa Falls to provide a way of broadcasting the shows as they are happening so extended family and friends are still able to watch. Details are still being worked out if it will be a video on Facebook live or a Youtube channel. More details will be shared as they become available.
Rosendahl said since the announcement last week they have also received several questions about the Bucket-Bottle Calf, Little Squealers, and Novice Lamb classes. The Board is happy to announce that they are working with Wright County Farm Bureau and the Bucket Calf volunteers to make the Bucket-Bottle Calf event happen in accordance with the social distancing guidelines. Unfortunately, the Little Squealers and Novice Lamb classes will not be possible this year.
Also cancelled for this year’s event is the Wright County Fair Queen Contest.
Again, these decisions were not made easily. The Fair Board spent many hours consulting with the Association of Iowa Fairs, the International Association of Fairs and Expositions, the Wright County Board of Supervisors, Wright County Emergency Management, Wright County Public Health, the Wright County Sheriff and multiple other county fairs. The decision was made with support of all these entities, putting the health and well-being of all fair participants, fair-goers, vendors, entertainers and volunteers as the highest priority.
“This decision was by far the most difficult that we as a board have had to make. We work all year long to strive to make the Wright County Fair one of the best,” stated Rosendahl. “It is a time for families to enjoy several days of entertainment, contests, vendors, and great food. It is a showcase for the youth of our county. For some, this may seem premature, but our many fair partners and vendors need adequate time to ensure that they are prepared to provide the needed services and supplies that make the fair operate smoothly. We all want what is best for the longevity of the Wright County Fair. We are Fair Strong and we will be back next year bigger and better!”
If exhibitors have question they are encouraged to contact the Wright County Extension Office or the Fair Office.
“We look forward to brighter days ahead when we can gather again to celebrate our County Pride – County Wide. Until then stay safe, be well, and support each other through this difficult time. We will look forward to the fair in 2021 – July 7-12, 2021,” concluded Rosendahl.
