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At its monthly meeting Monday, the Ross County Agriculture Society voted to cancel the 2020 Senior Fair, but did decide to host a version of its annual Junior Fair this August.
Like many county fairs, the members wrestled with how to host the fair given the restrictions handed down by the State of Ohio last week. Not only the health restrictions, but also the financial feasibility of ensuring the future of the fair.
“I didn’t get accomplished what I wanted to accomplish” said Fair Board President Bryan Bethel after the meeting. While the board agreed to have a Junior Fair, it plans to meet again June 16th to decide what it will consist of.
Bethel admits the volatility of re-opening of Ohio has put fairs and festivals in difficult circumstances. “With the State changing, I mean everything changes daily, people see it” said Bethel “so we’re just changing with it. And maybe things will change and we can open this up a little bit better, later. But for right now, with the guidelines we’ve got to follow, this is all we can have.”
The superintendents for the livestock shows and 4-H projects are meeting Tuesday. They’ll get together with Senior Fair Board to share ideas they have for presenting their show.
Not having a Senior Fair means, no amusement rides, midway, concessions, grandstand entertainment or camping. The Ross County has long been one of if not the largest campground among Ohio’s county fairs. “I’d say that one of the biggest disappointments that I have” said Bethel. “I was hoping we could have some kind of camping. That’s where we could make money and at least pay for the Junior Fair events.”
The Junior Fair will likely be a scaled back event from what fairgoers are used to experiencing. 4-H Extension Educator Katie Feldheus was happy to hear the Senior Fair Board members give their support the kids and to work to have a Junior Fair. “We’re going to be working to come up with policies to put in place that as long as our families are willing to work alongside us and we can make the budget work, we’ll be very likely to head to the (Junior) Fair come August.”
Extension Program Assistant Sally Bluck said the Fair Board’s action Monday helps with direction. “Now we’re (4-H) able to make decisions and go ahead and move forward with planning another great opportunity for the youth of Ross County.”
Harness racing was approved to take place, but with no spectators.
The Ross County Fair is slated for August 8-15.
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