Chilly temperatures, leaves changing color, Fall is in the air which means it must be time for the Fairfield County Fair. The dates for this year’s Fair are October 11-17 and it is a “Junior Fair Only” event. The 170th edition of the annual tradition will look much different this year due to health restrictions put in place by the by the Senior Fairboard orders from Governor DeWine’s, the Ohio Department of Health and the Fairfield County Board of Health.
What you will NOT see at this year’s fair: No rides, No games, very limited food vendors, No demolition derby, No entertainment of any kind. If one of your traditions was to meander through the Art Hall and look at the baked goods, fresh farm products those contests will not be happening. The Art Hall will be closed this year. Also, the Fairfield County 4-H Endowment will not be having their Sunday morning pancake breakfast.
What you WILL see this year: Beginning on Saturday, October 10 Trucks and Trailers will be seen on all roads leading to the Fairgrounds. A “Junior Fair Only’ means all 4-H and FFA Youth who have diligently been working towards completing their projects this past year will be bringing their animals for exhibition. The length of time they will spend at the Fairgrounds will be limited to no more than 2-3 days for most of the animals, their exhibitors, and immediate family. There are approximately 900 plus entries of livestock at this year’s “Junior Fair only” Fairfield County Fair. A few local food vendors will be on the grounds to feed the exhibitors.
Masks will be expected to be worn on the grounds. The Fairboard has asked that everyone on the grounds be respectful of the 10 pm curfew during the week of the County Fair.
Who Can Enter the Fairgrounds?
Only exhibitors and their immediate families will be permitted to be on the grounds during the week of the Fairfield County Fair. Wristbands will be issued to those who can come to watch and support the youth and their project work. There will be no general admission at this year’s County Fair.
Will there be campers at the Fair ?
Campers will be permitted on the grounds for those families that have a camping spot previously reserved for the 2020 County Fair. Camping is restricted to only current exhibitors and their families, the Fairboard Directors and OSU Extension Staff. No grandparents, 4-H advisors or visitor camping is allowed. Cost is $125.00 for the week.
Can we view the livestock shows?
Yes, the Fairboard is working with Innerphase Video to broadcast every livestock event held at the 2020 Fairfield County Fair.
Will there be a Livestock Auction?
Yes, the Sale Committee is making plans to hold auctions for those youth exhibiting Market project on Thursday, October 15, and Friday October 16. Those auctions will also be available to be viewed as well. If you would like to support youth who will be marketing their projects at auctions you can find more details at https://u.osu.edu/livestocksale/
Supporting the Fairfield County Ag Society
If you want to continue to support the Fairfield County Agricultural Society as they try to give our Junior Fair exhibitors the best possible experience you could become a Community sponsor of the Junior Fair Show and Sale Broadcast. For more details, please contact Fair Manager, Jim Marcinko at 740-653-3041.
Be sure to check back next week as we will have the complete show schedule for all the livestock as well as details on viewing the various shows and livestock auction with Innerphase Video .