EL PASO COUNTY — El Paso County has approved plans for a modified 115th County Fair this year, which will only feature 4-H exhibits and attractions.
The fair, scheduled for July 11-18, was originally scheduled to include around 200 activities. It was expected to draw around 25,000 participants and visitors.
The County chose to carry on the fair tradition in a safe environment, but recognized that maintaining social distancing requirements at performances, carnival, and vendor areas would be difficult.
The 4-H Only Fair will allow 4-H participants to complete their projects and potentially compete at the State Fair.
“The El Paso County Fair is a treasured family tradition, and I appreciate the work done to carry that forward in some modified fashion,” said Mark Waller, Chair of the Board of County Commissioners. “While we would love to hold a normal fair, we agree it is unlikely the Governor will loosen restrictions in time. However, this approach is good for those in the 4-H program and we look forward to our regular Fair returning in 2021.”
“We all wish we could offer our regular County Fair,” said Lori Harfert, Chair of the Fair Advisory Board. “We are very interested in providing a positive 4-H Fair experience for our youth.”
County staff will work with Public Health officials to determine procedures for the fair, which will likely include a limit on the number of people in barns, social distancing, and other safety measures. More information will be released in the coming weeks.
