Socially-distanced Clark County Fair set to start this weekend

The fair board made the decision in June to hold only a junior fair, which means no rides, games or grandstand entertainment.

There is no charge for admission, either, and most of the buildings will not be open.

“It’s free admission, but we really aren’t encouraging big audiences to come out because there’s nothing to see, except the livestock shows for the 4-H and FFA,” said Clark County Fair Executive Director Dean Blair. “We’ll have some general housekeeping announcements we’ll make over the PA here and there, things that are no-brainers like stay six feet apart, wear a mask, all those kind of things. Wash your hands frequently, but also it’s things like, hey, do us a favor: If you’re sitting here watching the pig show, when your child or grandchild, whoever it is shows, please consider getting up and maybe going and watching the rest of the show on live stream or clearing out of the barn here so that other families to watch their own show.”

While spectators are allowed at the shows, strict social distancing rules will be applied. That means limiting attendance around the show rings, especially after Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine admonished fair managers from around the state this week for what he viewed as violations of state edicts against large gatherings and requiring social distancing.

“That was all the things that we’ve already talked about, all the things that we’re trying to do with compliance,” said Blair, who added that in his view the timing of the governor’s harangue and institution of a mask mandate for all of Ohio was good for Clark County.

“If we’re going to do that, let’s do it now and make Clark County safer at least,” Blair said. “Selfishly from our perspective since this is our county: Great timing! Let’s do it now, so I didn’t feel bad about it, and it doesn’t change a doggone thing we were planning. It just helps us.”

Those who can’t or do not want to attend will have the option of watching internet live streams of the shows, something Blair hopes many will take advantage of.

“Oh we’re so proud of that,” Blair said. “That’s where we’ve spent some money this year to and also had a lot of help raising money towards that. There will be a lot of live streaming. Not all of the shows will be streamed, but most will, so for example, in the case of my own parents, they’ll be able to stay at home and watch my grandsons show their animals without coming here.”

Clark County 4-H director Patty House said non-animal projects were already judged last week, which is also when skillathons were held (in some cases virtually).

“It was different, but kids appreciated having the opportunity to share their project experiences and their knowledge,” said House, who added that while overall participation is down slightly, but none of the county’s project numbers are drastically reduced this year.

The first horse show is scheduled for Friday night with cavies, rabbits, more horses, dairy (market steers and showmanship), dogs, sheep and swine (showmanship) scheduled for Saturday.

Sunday comes goats, rabbit showmanship, more dairy steers and feeders, horses and a full slate of market hog shows.

The first of two hog sales is also scheduled for Sunday night. It will be virtual, as will the other sales in an effort to encourage social distancing.

Sunday night is also when the 2020 4-H royalty will be crowned (in a ceremony scheduled to be streamed online) and miscellaneous project judging winners will receive their awards at the CTC Shelter House. That begins at 7 p.m.

Market sheep are scheduled to kick off Monday followed by more goats, horses, dogs, poultry and multiple beef shows.

Tuesday will include alpacas and llamas, goats, poultry, more beef shows and the second round of hog showmanship.

The last day will include poultry, goat showmanship and the virtual beef auction.

More market hog categories, the second virtual swine auction and the final drive (including winners from Sunday) are also scheduled for Wednesday.

Fair aficionados will not have to settle for a virtual funnel cake, though.

That and other fried foods are among the things set to be offered by some of the 14 vendors who will be set up in one area in front of the sheriff’s command center.

“We plan very strongly to adhere to the governor’s recommendations on reduced bleachers, and social distancing, so the way we can do that is by asking people to help us do that,” Blair said. “So if people want to come and get something to eat, just know there’s not really anything to see but come on out and support these 14 food vendors.”

The Clark County Agricultural Society was looking at a $110,000 deficit to hold a fair without revenue-generators like rides and entertainment, but Blair said a $50,000 grant from the state and close to $30,000 from the Convention Facilities Authority in Springfield will make the financial hit easier to take.

“We very much appreciate their support, and then we’ve still had some sponsors stay with us, so we’re going to be OK. This is a painful thing, but we’re going to be OK.”

House confirmed planning an unusual fair brought great challenges since the spring but expressed hope those who get to take part will appreciate the opportunity.

“I think there’s been a lot of thought put into how we can make the event successful not just for the kids but for the greater community from a health standpoint,” she said.

“I just hope that people appreciate the opportunity to do something like this, especially during COVID-19 time and to appreciate the small things in life because we can’t take anything for granted.”

Check the fair’s Facebook page for more event details.

Here are the 14 vendors who will be operating at the Clark County Fair