Case in point: The 2020 Johnson County Fair was officially canceled earlier today:
Due to the ongoing social distancing guidelines and additional precautions taking place to help slow and reduce the spread of COVID-19, the Johnson County Agricultural Association, has made the difficult decision to cancel the grounds and grandstand entertainment for the 2020 Johnson County Fair.
Johnson County Fair Board President Charlie Isaacs states, “After consulting with Johnson County Public Health, Johnson County Emergency Management, the Johnson County Board of Supervisors, and fair board members, it was determined this was the best decision due to the uncertainty of what the public health situation may look like at the end of July. We want nothing more than to have a fair, however, volunteers, visitors; youth of Johnson County and staff health and safety are our main concern...”
County fair is an opportunity for Johnson County’s youth to have a unique 4-H learning experience. Even though fair in 2020 needs to happen in non-traditional ways, exhibits and evaluation of exhibits are important to help 4-H members complete their project learning. Johnson County 4-H is currently navigating the various options for fair 2020. As details are finalized, information will be sent to families and volunteers.This is sad for the general public, but it really sucks for the 4-H kids -- particularly the high school seniors -- who have spent the past year raising livestock and preparing projects for the summer fair. The Johnson County Agricultural Association and the Iowa State University Extension and Outreach of Johnson County are working on an alternate way to show off their projects.
Beyond that, the rest of us will need to wait for June 25-28, 2021, for the next Johnson County Fair.