COLUMBUS — Can a county fair go virtual? We'll find out in July. That was the decision made Monday in Columbus.
The 2020 Bartholomew County 4-H Fair, scheduled for July 10, will not take place in its traditional manner this year. It will be a virtual fair for all 4-H projects, with additional information to come.
Organizers were concerned that the COVID-19 virus would jeopardize the safety of 4-H members and volunteers.
The decision came just three days after Purdue Extension, which sets the rules for Indiana County Fairs, said fairs could be held in July if various safety measures were taken and restrictions followed. In issuing its guidelines, Purdue acknowledged that some counties might go the virtual route.
Bartholomew County fair organizers felt it would be difficult to meet the guidelines.
The fair issued this statement on Facebook late-Monday:
With requirements to enforce social distancing, full Personal Protective equipment including face coverings, temperature checks, and comprehensive tracking of everyone who is on the fairgrounds, the Fair Board felt that it would be impossible to comply with requirements and ensure safety of those in attendance.
We recognize that this is a tough year and not what we all anticipated or wanted. Please help us make this a positive experience for all.
