Due to the ongoing social distancing guidelines and best practices put in place to slow the spread of COVID-19, the Muscatine County Fair has made the difficult decision to postpone the open class, grandstand and grounds entertainment for the 2020 Muscatine County Fair to July 2021, out of an abundance of caution.
After discussions with the Department of Public Health, Muscatine County 4-H, Muscatine County Board of Supervisors, and other partners, the fair board decided Wednesday, June 3, this was the necessary decision to keep Muscatine County residents safe and healthy, Fair Manager Kelsey Morris reported.
Due to the substantial number of positive cases and the incredibly large number of reported deaths in Muscatine County in comparison to neighboring counties, the public health department recommends people stay home that are sick, but health officials are quick to point out the knowledge that the virus spreads asymptomatically.
Morris said the decision was based in consideration of many factors including, but not limited to, public health recommendations, CDC and government guidelines (including social distancing and 50 percent capacity), as well as volunteer need.
This postponement includes the scheduled fair stock car races, truck drag races, tractor pull, Mo Pitney & Neal McCoy concert, trailer races, demolition derby, carnival and grounds entertainment.
“We know the Muscatine County Fair is the highlight of the summer for many families, and we too are disappointed,” Morris said.
“The board is continuing to look for ways the community can enjoy some fair-related events virtually during the fair week, so keep an eye out on our social media pages,” Morris said, noting the information will be available on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.
Muscatine County 4-H is working on plans for Muscatine County youth to exhibit what they have learned throughout this program year and as soon as that information is available, their office will be notifying youth, families and volunteers. This virtual competition will be for all exhibits, including livestock and static projects.
Morris also said July 2020 fair tickets will not be accepted for the July 2021 fair. “We are asking the public to consider their ticket and sponsorship purchases as donations to the fair during this season of trying times,” Morris said. “However, anyone who would prefer a refund please notify the fair office by July 31 for prompt processing.”
Morris said the fair board is currently working on rescheduling entertainment for the 2021 fair.
“The postponement of open class, grandstand and grounds entertainment is a decision that was not taken lightly,” Morris said in a public statement.
“While we are all deeply saddened by the outcome, we know this is what is best to keep our county residents, volunteers, vendors, and exhibitors safe and healthy. We will be back stronger than ever come July 2021!”
The Muscatine County 4-H Extension Office is looking into hosting a 100 percent virtual competition for all projects, livestock and static. Details will be released soon.
In the meantime, the fairgrounds will see some action as MLRA Stock Car Races will take place this Sunday, June 14, with hot laps starting at 4:30 p.m. with racing to follow on the speedway. The pits open at 2 p.m., grandstand opens at 3 p.m. and drivers’ meeting is at 4 p.m.
The fairgrounds will also feature Harness Horse Racing on Saturday, June 20, with gates opening at 11:30 a.m. to watch warm-ups, and horses start racing at 12:30 p.m.
With the fair’s postponement until next year, West Liberty will also not host the annual pre-fair parade that attracts thousands to the community and is followed by a “Picnic in the Park,” one of the major fundraisers of the year for churches and organizations held at Kimberly Park, providing food and entertainment for hundreds. Both of those events are coordinated through the West Liberty Chamber of Commerce.