Winneshiek County Fair cancels grounds and entertainment activities

Posted: June 2, 2020 at 10:12 am

The Winneshiek County Agricultural Association has made the difficult decision to cancel grounds and entertainment activities for the 2020 Winneshiek County fair.

This cancellation includes Fair Races, Rodeo, Tractor Pull, Joe Stamm Band for Friday night, and Saturday night acts Gabby Barrett and Jordan Davis. All carnival and grounds entertainment are also cancelled. The Nitty Gritty Dirt band, scheduled for Friday night, had already canceled their appearance at the 2020 Fair. Public Health comments, CDC guidelines, along with legal guidance from the County Attorney were considered throughout this decision making process, in addition with the concern to keep residents of Winneshiek County safe and healthy.
Should the CDC guidelines still be in place at the time of the fair, it was felt that the 6 foot social distance rule would be virtually impossible to enforce in most, if not all scheduled activities. The rule also severely limits the Fair’s ability to remain financially viable. Due to the requirement of only 50% capacity at any event, revenue deficits are simply too great to overlook.

The Fair Board is working with Iowa State University Extension and Outreach to find a workable solution to schedule the 4-H and FFA shows. Details will come in the near future.

A great amount of time and thought was put into this decision. While it is deeply disappointing the Fair Board looks forward to 2021. We are all very grateful for the great community support we receive each year to be able to put on the “Biggest Little Fair in Iowa.” Thank You to each and every one of the businesses and individuals who help make this fair what it is.