Fair still scheduled for July 24 start

Walter Sprague
Art and Culture Reporter
 
The Weston County Fair Board met on Monday, hoping to lock down a final schedule for the 2020 county fair, taking into account health ordinances issued by Gov. Mark Gordon that were extended to the end of July. Under current guidelines, the fair is scheduled to open on Friday, July 24, and wind up events on Sunday, Aug. 2.
Because of the ongoing uncertainty from the COVID-19 pandemic, some events, such as the CowBelles barbecue, will not take place. Some cancellations are due to an inability to maintain social distancing or other mandated restrictions, according to fairgrounds manager Kara Fladstol. The inability of some groups to facilitate events have forced other cancellations. One such event is pig wrestling.
The lack of workers who usually help set up, supervise and clean up is also a problem.
“We’ve always been fortunate to have the honor camp help with fair,” Fladstol said, “But this year we don’t have those men due to the crisis.”
Both Fladstol and fair board President David Kline are concerned about the lack of workers and volunteers. Kline said they are going to put on the best fair possible, but the need for volunteers is critical. 
“We need lots of help setting up and supervising,” Kline said, “Both 4-H and the open class static department need supervisors. And we always need help cleaning up.”
Of significant concern is the required sanitization effort. Mowing and cleaning up after animals also require volunteers. Fladstol said the big hit in revenue, the loss of honor camp labor and the cut in fairgrounds staff has made the need for volunteers especially important. To offer your help, call Fladstol at (307) 746-8806.
Despite the obstacles, the board is still optimistic about the schedule. From the events of July 25 – parade, talent show, truck pull – to the new Mini Rough Stock Rodeo on July 27 at 6 p.m., there will be something for everyone.
“Fair is a great educational event, especially for kids,” Kline said. “It’s also a time for families to get together, spend the day with each other. We need more of that. Fair needs to happen.”
“We have everything from livestock shows to model rockets to art shows,” Fladstol said, “There’s something at fair for everyone, no matter what your interest is.”
Kline said that because they are supported by the county, the schools, FFA and 4-H, he feels that the community needs to attend the fair, especially this year, and get behind the fair. Fladstol said that she’s always loved how the community pulls together and is looking forward to that happening again.
For a full schedule (subject to mandated state changes), see the fair book at westoncountyfair.com/wp-content/uploads/2020FairBook.pdf.