The virus and the fair

Mercer County Fair Manager Cara Muhlenkamp said organizers are working diligently behind the scenes to stage the best fair possible this summer while adhering to the state's COVID-19 pandemic-based safety measures.

Meanwhile, Auglaize County Fair Board members have moved to host a junior fair this year but are still weighing whether to proceed with a full fair as they await more information from Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine, according to the fair's Facebook page.

State Rep. Susan Manchester, R-Waynesfield, in a news release issued on Wednesday said state leaders have developed a plan to help county fairs open this year and support those involved in 4-H and FFA. The plan is subject to State Controlling Board approval, which is expected Monday, per the release.

Each fair that conducts a junior fair this year would receive $50,000 to operate in a safe manner consistent with good health practices, according to the release. Fairs that do not conduct a junior fair this year will receive $15,000 that can be used toward next year's fair.

"County fairs showcase Ohio's proud agricultural industry and strengthen our sense of community," Manchester said. "I'm pleased to announce they will be able to move forward and that Ohio is providing financial support for these special events."  

Muhlenkamp estimates it will cost as much as $25,000 to put in place safety measures as well as broadcast fair events to those who chose not to attend out of safety concerns. Prior to Manchester's announcement on Wednesday afternoon, Muhlenkamp said board members had planned to dip into its rainy day fund to pay for the newfound expenses.

The rainy day fund was establish after two consecutive successful fairs, Muhlenkamp said.

"We really don't want to raise any prices because obviously our community has been hit hard, and we were very fortunate to have sponsorship dollars already come in," Muhlenkamp said about tapping into the reserve account rather than passing on costs to fair patrons.

Muhlenkamp on Wednesday announced several updates for the fair to be held Aug. 14-20.

"By us waiting for as long as we have, we've been able to still stick with many of the already planned events and activities," she said. "There are going to be some modifications."

The fair board learned on Wednesday that animals can be kept on site during the entirety of the fair.

"They have actually lifted the 72-hour time frame for the animals being on the fairground, and so we'll be able to have them there the full seven days of the fair," she said.

Other updates are,

• "At the entrance gates and throughout the grounds you will see signs reminding you that you have entered the grounds of your free will and that exposure to COVID-19 is potential," Muhlenkamp wrote in a news release.

"We will have directional signs to help with the traffic flow, social distancing and frequent handwashing," Muhlenkamp wrote.

• Muhlenkamp said 28 additional handwashing and sanitizing stations will be installed on the fairgrounds.

• Food vendors will be on site this year.

"We will have all same food vendors and a few new ones," Muhlenkamp wrote. "We are unsure how this will affect the Granges at this time because their primary workers are the individuals that are in the high-risk category. These organizations could really use help from the younger generations to keep them running. While we will be sad if the are unable to attend this year, we fully understand and support their decision."

• Organizers plan to have grandstand events.

"We are currently awaiting final direction from the state on specific directives to understand how things will potentially have to be ran," Muhlenkamp wrote.

"At this point I can tell you that we will have ways to create social distancing, and for some events we will have an expanded footprint," Muhlenkamp wrote.

• The fair will host rides but new sanitation protocols will be added to ensure riders' safety.

"We just received word at the end of last week that the ride inspector's division through the state is now back open and operational," Muhlenkamp wrote. "This is wonderful news and with the opening of amusement parks it was only an added benefit of us being able to offer rides."

• The commercial building will be open to the public, though vendor booths will be spaced out and social distancing encouraged.

• Organizers plan to host live broadcasts of livestock shows and other events, possibly on the fair's Facebook page.

"We understand that there are some fair patrons that don't feel comfortable coming out to the fair at this time, and we fully understand that and respect that, and we want to give them an opportunity to make them feel like they still can be involved and support their loved ones," Muhlenkamp said.