News

June 2, 2020

Dear 4-H and FFA members, families, and volunteers,

Recently the Winneshiek County Fair Association cancelled the 2020 grounds and entertainment activities due to continued restrictions of Covid-19. We appreciate the support provided by the Winneshiek County Fair Association to support decisions of Winneshiek County Extension/4-H staff and the 4-H committees when determining plans to provide a ‘4-H Fair’ in 2020.

The Winneshiek County Extension Council, Youth Development Committee along with 4-H and Extension staff have made the difficult decision to shift all efforts and resources to a limited audience Show and Go Livestock Exhibition and contact-free Static, Clothing, & Communication Exhibit Judging. The health and safety of our 4-H members, families, volunteers, staff, and animals are the primary concern in making this decision. Winneshiek County Extension and Outreach must follow the guidance of Winneshiek County Public Health and Iowa 4-H.

This year has been full of difficult decisions and learning experiences. This is not a decision we ever imagined we would need to consider. We ask for your patience and kindness as we prepare materials and information for 4-H and FFA members who still choose to participate in the modified events. Some may choose that these events are not what they would like to participate in this summer and others will choose to participate. Like every year, fair is not a requirement to be a 4-H member.

What is next?
• FairEntry is currently closed. Fair Entry will open on the new date of June 10 and close on June 30.
• Updates regarding schedule and classes will be shared on June 9 to your 4HOnline email.
We thank you in advance for your patience and support. Questions can be sent to winneshiek4h@iastate.edu or by phone at 563-382-2949. Additional updates may be found on our website in the weeks to come.

The Winneshiek County 4-H Staff Team, Youth Development Committee and Winneshiek County Extension Council.

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 Barret 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.

June 1, 2020