The Lincoln County Fair will happen on schedule in September, but with only livestock exhibits and limited other activities, following the Fair Board’s vote on Monday night.
“We need to have it,” Fairboard Vice President Ron Brown said. “We need to support those kids that have been showing those animals.”
The fair will be Sep. 2 – 5.
Pottawatomie County has cancelled its fair this year and the State Fair of Oklahoma has been cancelled.
In order to keep the fair as safe as possible, there will be no carnival or public access.
The decision was made to show two species on Thursday, two on Friday and one on Saturday.
Fairboard member Thomas Miller raised the question, “Does anybody else see that as a logistical nightmare?”
However the general consensus was that it would run like a Jackpot, in a show and go fashion.
Ag teachers Stuart Symes from Chandler, Lee Stewart from Prague and Logan Johns from Meeker said one way to make the showing go faster is to require participants to clip at home before coming to the fairgrounds.
Discussed during the meeting was closing the exhibit hall to the public, except for judges, OSU extension and participants.
Decisions are still being made regarding the tractor pull and what species of animals will be showed on what days.
“We’ve been notified by the OSU campus that if the fair board isn’t taking precautionary measures that match or are more stricter than what OSU has sent forth, then the extension office isn’t allowed to help,” Jessica Riggin, County Extension Director said. “I feel like if the fair is going to happen it’s important for us to help. We want to be there.”
Those OSU regulations include avoid providing food, don’t share anything, use disposable glove and encourage wearing masks, as well as the CDC recommendations.
According to the United States Department of Agriculture, two cases of Vesicular Stomatitis Virus was confirmed in Washington County.
“The state is recommending a health certificate on every animal to come in within five days of the show,” Lincoln County Fairgrounds Facilities Manager Kellie Warnes.
During the meeting, there were attendees who were against having the fair and attendees who were for having the fair.
“I foresee this getting a whole lot worse,”District Two County Commissioner Troy Evans said.
Volunteer 4H leader Charlie McCarley said she’s been to three dairy goat shows this season and none of her kids have caught COVID-19.
“It’s my choice if I want to expose my child to COVID,” McCarley said.
Meeker public schools ag teacher Logan Johns said he is worried that a kid might catch COVID-19.
“I disagree,” he said. “I don’t think the risk is worth the reward.”
The decision was made to have the fair and it is up to the participants to come if they want to.
Other actions made by fairboard members include:
Approval of the treasurer’s report.
Approval of the work order change for the Electric Bid with Bret Miller.