COVID cancels, modifies several countywide events

— Along with several other events this season, steer weigh-ins at the county fairgrounds have been canceled. Instead, participants were directed to pick up paper work and tags on Saturday at the exhibit building.

Fair Manager Ed Doenges said he imagines that the rate of gain contest would be canceled for the 2020 fair.

“It’s just a part of our times,” he said.

Ag Extension Program Director Beth Miller also said it was “a sign of the times.” She said it followed their procedure from last spring when they didn’t do lamb and goat weigh-ins to avoid the spread of the virus.

The Auglaize County Fraternal Order of Police (FOP) office is also modifying its Shop With a Cop tradition. Officers, deputies, dispatchers, troopers and spouses typically help children pick out toys and clothes for Christmas but this year gift cards will be distributed at the sheriff’s office instead of a shopping trip with law enforcement, as had been the tradition.

Auglaize County Sheriff’s Office Dispatcher Carl Lengrich said the FOP had wanted to avoid contributing to the spread of COVID-19 and didn’t want to overwhelm Walmart.

They will be assisting 112 children this year and parents are able to pick up $200 Walmart gift cards and will be able to go shopping at their leisure.

Lengrich said they were glad to be able to help out and grateful. for donations from businesses and residents in Auglaize County throughout the year.

Another event modified for COVID-19 the holidays is Cridersville Christmas on Main Express.