Union County fair canceled, livestock show to go on

The 2020 Union County Fair has been canceled due to COVID-19, according to University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture Cooperative Extension Office agent Robin Bridges.

The fair, which generally runs for five days in September, normally consists of carnival-style rides and attractions, exhibits, commercial booths and a livestock show.

Bridges said that although the larger fair is canceled, the Extension Service still plans to move ahead with the livestock show.

“The fair has been canceled thanks to COVID-19; it’s nobody’s fault. But we will be able to recognize the local 4H and FFA (Future Farmers of America) youth through the livestock show and sale,” Bridges said.

The initial stages of the livestock show will begin on September 23. Participants will arrive with livestock in tow to begin the process of checking in, weighing the animals and forming classes.

The show itself will begin on Thursday, September 24 and run from 8 a.m. until 5 p.m. with livestock

including cattle, goats, poultry, pigs and sheep.

Bridges said showings would run at a steady pace throughout the day, with 15 breaks in between each class.

He added that a large age range of local youth will be participating, as 4H consists of youth aged five to 19-years-old, and FFA consists of youth aged 13 to 21-years-old who are mostly vocational agriculture students.

“Many [students] had their projects started before COVID-19 ever started. In an effort to help complete their project year, community leaders decided we would have the livestock show and let those kids be recognized,” Bridges said.

The event will be open and free to the public.

Bridges said organizers will be following state and national guidelines for COVID-19 protection, including the wearing of masks and facial coverings. Hand sanitizer stations will be available at the event.

The livestock sale will be on the following day, Friday, September 25. It consists of sale-eligible market projects.

“The Union County community always comes out in a big way to support the youth and reward them for the work they put into their projects,” Bridges said.

Bridges said the Extension Service is glad to move ahead with the livestock show despite the disappointment at the cancellation of the county fair.

“We’re looking forward to a great show and the opportunity to recognize the youth and give them a chance to learn from the experience,” Bridges said.

The Union County Fairgrounds are located at 1430 E 19th St. in El Dorado.