The News Herald (Willoughby, OH)
Lake County Fair Board announces greatly altered plans for 2020 event
The Lake County Fair Board has voted to proceed with a modified Junior Fair exhibition for 2020.
The exhibition will take place July 28-30 at the county fairgrounds in Painesville, according to a news release. There will be no public admission to the exhibition.
All on-site events will be limited to Junior Fair participants, their immediate family and exhibition officials. The exhibition will follow the mandatory and recommended best practices issued by state and health officials amid the novel coronavirus pandemic.
“This greatly abbreviated exhibition will culminate with an innovate virtual online auction, which will allow the youths’ livestock to be sold and harvested,” the Fair Board stated in the release.
In adherence to current state guidelines, there will be no midway including amusement rides, grandstand attractions, Senior Fair competitions or commercial vendors.
Harness horse racing is scheduled to take place contingent upon receipt of state funding, but without spectators or wagering, the release stated.
“The Lake County Fair has a proud 165-year tradition of holding an annual fair each summer,” the Fair Board stated. “While this year’s limited activities do not represent the event we hoped for in 2020, the crisis our state and nation are dealing with is unlike anything most of us have ever experienced.
“As disappointing as this decision is, we hope it demonstrates our dedication to keeping our community safe, while honoring the incredible efforts of our Junior Fair youth.”