The Audubon County Fair has been postponed. In a social media post Tuesday evening, Fair officials said “For several weeks, the Audubon County Fair Board, ISU Extension and Outreach Audubon County, and our local FFA chapter advisers have been working hard with one goal in mind: how to host a safe county fair amid the uncertainties and regulations put in place due to Covid- 19.

This year, Audubon County Fairboard has decided to postpone the typical Audubon County Fair until July 14-18, 2021. Due to the circumstances surrounding the Covid-19 pandemic and the extensive precautions to ensure the health and safety of fair-goers, volunteers, and exhibitors, we feel we are unable to host our typical fair.”

The Fair Board reports also, that since they value youth and all the hard work they have put in with their animals and static projects this year, the Fair we will be hosting a 4-H/FFA livestock show in a modified format with specific guidelines in place.

Shows are as scheduled:
Wednesday, July 15- Dog & Pet Show
Friday, July 17- Sheep & Goat, Horse, and Rabbit Show
Saturday, July 18- Swine and Poultry Show
Sunday, July 19- Beef Show & Support Auction

Specific details regarding livestock arrival times and stalling information will be sent out to exhibitors who have submitted their fair entries on or before the deadline. Officials ask that the arena seating for the livestock shows be reserved for relatives and/or those with a special interest in an exhibitor’s project. The Board says “This will allow us to practice safe social distancing. We will be working on ways to live stream the shows for others to view this year.”

No livestock will be sold at an auction at the fair. Youth should talk with your species superintendent for specifics if you still have a need to sell your market animal. Instead, there will be a Support Auction for all our 2020 market livestock exhibitors. Each exhibitor has worked hard with their projects and a support auction allows the community to show their support for the exhibitor.

Static Judging will also look different this year. Exhibitors will be required to drop off their projects at the Agri-Hall on Tuesday, July 14th for judging. Due to social distancing concerns, there will be no face-to-face judging with static projects for this year. Exhibitors will be capped at 10 static projects. After judging on Wednesday, the projects will be showcased in the Agri-Hall. There will be safety precautions in place to allow the public to view the displays throughout the fair dates.

There are plans to have some sort of a concession stand at the horse arena and the livestock pavilion. Details are still being worked out. Plans are also being drawn up to have a Clover Kid Day on August 8th. Look for more information to come from the Extension Office on details for this day.

The Fair Board says “We know that 2020 has been very different for us and we are doing our best to navigate through these challenges the best we can. The Audubon County Fair Board would like to thank all the supporters, sponsors, and partners for their support of the Audubon County Fair. Thanks for helping us MAKE IT COUNT! We hope to see everyone at next year’s fair, July 14-18, 2021.”