In the past few weeks, several summer events in the region have already been cancelled due to COVID-19 concerns including the Marshall Blues Festival.
But, with COVID vaccine distribution becoming more widespread, organizers of the 2021 Calhoun County Fair have high hopes that this year’s fair will take place Aug. 15-22.
“We have known for months that this year’s fair was going to be different, that is, assuming that public health and elected officials in Michigan declare it’s safe for area residents to gather and traverse the fairgrounds later this summer,” said Calhoun County Fairgrounds Manager Jen Rice. “While no one knows for sure where we will be in mid-August in terms of Governor Whitmer’s plans to re-open Michigan’s economy, I remain cautiously optimistic and continue to work diligently with our county health department and industry experts to make a plan which places the health and safety of our community as our highest priority.”
Rice noted that she is working daily to explore and develop numerous means and methods that can be successfully implemented to thin out crowd size and permit appropriate social distancing behavior throughout the fairgrounds. Concepts being considered include discounting gate pricing during off-peak times (before 4 p.m.) and encouraging online purchases of fair week passes.
Fair Board President Jim Olds shared Rice’s sentiment, stating he wants the community to know that they are planning on have a typical fair using the Health Department’s guidance.
“The Calhoun County Fair is the oldest in the state of Michigan and even though we couldn’t hold it last year, we want people to know that we plan to have Grandstand events, carnival rides, fair food, auctions, etc.,” said Olds. “We are planning on a normal fair, and things may dictate differently as time progresses, but as of right now, we are going to have fully-funded Grandstand events, all the cattle and animal shows will continue as normal as can be with that caveat being that we are working with the Health Department to make sure we are doing it safely.”
Olds noted concern that sponsors may be reluctant to come forward if they think there won’t be a fair like last year.
“But here’s the double-edged sword: Without the sponsorships, we really can’t have a fair,” he said.
Olds said he is hopeful that things will be much improved regarding COVID by the time the fair opens five months from now.
“They’re saying we should have most people vaccinated by the end of June,” said Olds. “If that turns out to be the case, then by August we should be fine to go, but so many things are dependent on government and what happens between now and then. I hate to stick my neck way out, but if we don’t stick our necks out, we’re not going to have a fair at all.”
Rice said she is working on a plan to actively manage the number of people permitted inside all of the buildings and tents, just like the practices adopted by many supermarkets and big-box retailers.
“Plans also include live-streaming livestock shows and judged events to allow friends and relatives of youth exhibitors the opportunity to ‘virtually’ attend and enjoy these competitive events from their homes,” she said.
Rice emphasized that this year’s fair will reflect significant operational adjustments aimed at meeting or exceeding evolving public health mandates.
“Providing an opportunity for a healthy physical distance between visitors will play a significant role in allowing the Calhoun County Fair to contribute to the healing of our community, emotionally and physically,” she said. “Our annual fair is a celebration of community in the most inclusive sense and a cherished tradition for many people in Calhoun County and beyond. We are committed to presenting a fair that meets the mandates of our public health officials and our governor.”
For up-to-date information and a complete schedule of events, visit www.CalhounCountyFairgrounds.com.