Another summer event has been canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Olmsted County Fair Board announced today that the 2020 Olmsted County Fair has been canceled, and the association is planning alternative options for area residents to participate in.

According to the release, after discussions with several subcommittees, several area event planners, Olmsted County Public Health, and others in the health care industry, the Fair Board decided to cancel the fair.

“The health and safety of our fairgoers and the greater community is very important to us; this was not an easy decision and we take it very seriously," Olmsted County Fair Board President Scott Schneider said. "We have spent countless hours trying to chart the best path forward."

One of the top priorities going forward for the Fair Board is to offer some form of programming for 4H, FFA, and potentially Open Class programs.

"Since the onset of our current situation we have been working with the board to develop unique and creative strategies that hopefully address the ever-changing COVID-19 landscape," Brandon Helgeson said. Helgeson is the owner of Big BANG Companies, the fair's contracted Marketing and Event company.

"We have taken the approach of simultaneously planning for multiple scenarios up to and including this cancelation. We wanted to be prepared for just about anything and still be able to offer something to our community. This is the type of planning that normally takes a year and we are trying to get it done in months but we all stand ready for the challenge," Helgeson said.

The fair board is working with other area groups to plan other event options that include a drive-in theater and concert venue at Graham Park.

According to the release, replacement plans are already in the works, and Fair organizers are set to be ready to adjust to the current Minnesota Department of Health, state, and county guidelines concerning events and vehicle gatherings.

You can always stay up to date on any Fair announcements on the Olmsted County Fair's Facebook Page.

The Olmsted County Fair was originally set to run July 27th through August 2nd.

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