Organizers plan event for Aug. 27-30

By Robert Cloud

One summer event that has not been canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic is the Waupaca County Fair.

The Waupaca County Fair Board voted Wednesday, June 17, to move forward with plans to hold this year’s fair.

The fair is scheduled for Aug. 27-30.

Waupaca County Fair Manager Jeremy Schroeder said fair board members felt it was important to recognize the hard work by the youth and adult exhibitors with their animals and projects.

“Youth exhibitors are very happy and excited to be able to show and display their projects is what I have heard so far,” Schroeder said.

“Once the registration process opens for the youth, we will have a better idea but we expect near normal number of exhibits from the youth,” Schroeder told the Waupaca County Post. “Final details are being worked out yet as to the specifics of judging, etc. to keep everyone safe.”

Another consideration involved the local nonprofit groups that have food stands and provide volunteer work at the fair to raise funds.

“The board fully appreciates that some may not feel comfortable in attending or exhibiting at a large event at this time and respects those that choose not to attend or exhibit for their safety,” Schroeder said.

Safety procedures

He noted that he and other board members have been meeting with carnival staff, exhibitors, judges, superintendents, vendors, emergency services personnel and volunteers.

Fair organizers want to ensure all have up-to-date procedures and practices in place to keep everyone safe.

“The fair board and manager will be putting together a complete action plan that will reference procedures and practices following guidelines and recommendations from the CDC, WEDC and Department of Health,” Schroeder said.

Visitors and exhibitors will notice several changes at this year’s venue.

The fair will officially open on Thursday, Aug. 27.

Wednesday, Aug. 26, will be only for exhibitors to bring their entries. No other activities are scheduled, and the fairgrounds will be closed to the public.

Instead of performing in the Grandstand, bands will be on the Midway stage.

Organizers hope the Midway will provide extra space for people to spread out.

The demolition derbies and truck and tractor pulls will still be held in the Grandstand.

“We are working on an operations plan and examining all options,” Schroeder said. “We do have portable bleachers which we are investigating if we can spread people out more. We are also looking into other venues that have been having racing to see how they are handling the social distancing.”

The board plans to add several more handwashing stations throughout the grounds, make hand sanitizer available and increase cleaning and sanitizing of the restrooms.

Educational signage

Fair organizers will also post signs that encourage people to social distance, wash their hands, cover their coughs and sneezes and not attend should they feel sick.

While signs will encourage visitors to follow CDC guidelines regarding masks, Schroeder said, “However, we cannot mandate wearing, enforce wearing or provide masks.”

Noting the fair is still 70 days away, Schroeder noted a lot can happen between now and then.

“Keeping safety as our top priority, we will continue to have conversations with County Public Health, Emergency Management and any other necessary agencies to make and guide decisions,” Schroeder said. “Should anything drastically change we do know that we can roll over contracted events to 2021 if we cannot proceed in 2020.”

Schroeder encourages people to keep their safety in mind when deciding whether or not to attend the fair.