2020 county fair modified due to COVID-19

By Staff, 08/14/20 8:56 AM

PRESCOTT – This year’s Nevada County Fair will be different from all others, primarily because of COVID-19.

First and foremost, the fair will be modified in an effort to keep people safe. Social distancing will be followed, along with other CDC guidelines. But, this year’s fair will not have any exhibits inside the buildings. In fact, there won’t be a talent show or fair queen pageants either. The midway scheduled to be at this year’s fair has been cancelled, but, according to Cathy Jones, a member of the Nevada County Fair Association, is on tap to be at the 2021 Nevada County Fair.

This year’s fair will kick off with the annual parade, which will start at 6 p.m. at City Hall. The route will take the floats down Main Street, onto East Second Street South and is scheduled to end behind the Nevada County Courthouse. Those interested in having a float or vehicle in the parade can call either 870-887-2101 o 870-796-0634 to enter.

Right now, though, pretty much everything  scheduled is tentative and subject to change. Plans call for the fairgrounds to be cleaned up at 8 a.m. on Aug. 29, with the parade set for Sept. 14. The rabbit and chicken show will be Sept. 16 with judging at 4:30 p.m. Chicken showmanship will be at 6 p.m. with rabbit showmanship at 7 o’clock on Sept. 16. The livestock sow will be at 8 a.m. on Sept. 17 with the premium sale set for 6 p.m. that evening. There will be no buyers meal this year as per CDC guidelines. The rodeo will be at 7 p.m. Sept. 19.

Check in for chickens and rabbits will be from 4:30-7 p.m. on Sept. 15. Check in for all other livestock will be before noon Wednesday, Sept. 18. Animals will be released after the premium sale ends.

Registration for the rodeo will begin at 5:30 p.m. This year’s event will feature 12-year-old Claira Morris, a trick rider. Rhonda Hillery, who’s in charge of the rodeo said CDC guidelines will be followed at the arena as well, with people being spaced out on the bleachers. Only family members will be allowed to sit together. Rodeo events may also be reduced, but that’s not etched in stone at this time. Rodeo personnel will be strict about children gathering behind the chutes, making sure they’re spaced out accordingly.

Remember, though, these are tentative plans and, depending on what happens with the coronavirus, could change.