~courtesy of the Scranton Journal
It’s Greene County Fair Week July 7 – 12, but the 2020 edition of the fair will be nothing like the community has seen. COVID-19 has caused the postponement of most displays and entertainment with only 4-H / FFA youth exhibits allowed on the fairgrounds in Jefferson.
The Greene County Fair board and ISU Extension Greene County have made numerous changes following many lengthy discussions. These decisions have been made due to the many unknowns concerning public safety and gatherings.
For these reasons, a majority of the annual events have been postponed. This includes all grandstands, grounds entertainment, commercial exhibits, open class exhibits, food service and many other events with public gatherings.
Although the fairgrounds are not closed to the public, it has been strongly suggested by the fair board and Extension office that only youth exhibitors and their families attend the exhibits and shows. People who have underlying health issues or are considered at high risk are urged to stay home.
There are no food vendors on the fairgrounds but several local businesses are offering special deals for exhibitors and their families.
Many people enjoy looking at the static 4-H exhibits in Clover Hall but that opportunity has been eliminated due to safety concerns.
“We’ve split our static judging day into two days to eliminate the number of judges who are here in one time frame,” explained Kayla Willms, 4-H and youth coordinator. “It will be non-conference, so the only face-to-face exhibits will be Communication and Fashion. This year is like State Fair where the static exhibits get dropped off and then get reviewed. That’s how they’ll judge this year in that non-conference style.”
She noted the animals will check in the day before their show, stay overnight and then be dismissed at the end of the day of the show. The animals will be on the fairgrounds for 24 to 48 hours, depending upon the check-in time and show time.
“The actual shows won’t look much different than normal,” added Willms. “There are a few changes but not too many.” She noted the animals will be judged as usual with champions crowned and ribbons awarded.
The 4-H and FFA livestock shows begin on Tuesday with dog obedience and showmanship at 5 pm, along with the agility show. The Fashion Show will be held at 11 am.
Wednesday features the poultry show at 9 am. and rabbit show at 2 pm.
Thursday is a big day with the swine show at 8 am followed by the horse and pony show at 11 am. The static exhibits will be released at 3 pm.
Friday starts off with the sheep show at 8 am followed by the beef pen-of-three and herd builder judging at 9 am. There’s a horse fun show at 1:30 pm. The goat show concludes the day at 2:30 pm.
Friday concludes with the fireworks show. Parking is available on the fairgrounds but the grandstand will NOT be open. Attendees are reminded to observe social distancing rules.
The cattle take over on Saturday with the beef and bucket calf shows starting at 8 am.
Sunday belongs to the Clover Kids with their exhibits featured from 1 to 3 pm.
There is no premium auction this year. That traditionally takes place on Monday.
“As we navigate through these unprecedented times, we want to thank the community, our sponsors, and partners for continuing to support the Greene County Fair,” said Doug Hawn, fair board secretary. “We look forward to being back for our 2021 Greene County Fair July 6-12, 2021.”
Persons who want more information, can visit the web site at www.greenecountyiowafair.com.
