Statement attributable to Ryan George, Rock County 4-H Fair Board President:
The 2020 Rock County 4-H Fair has been cancelled due to community health concerns related to COVID-19 and the Rock County Fairgrounds serving as a COVID-19 Isolation Center. The safety of Rock County 4-H Fair visitors and the surrounding community is our highest priority. Our plans for a scaled-down fair were approved by the Rock County Health Department but are not possible given new information about the COVID-19 Isolation Center footprint which extends beyond Craig Center to a majority of the fairgrounds.
As community leaders, we support the well-being of our county and understand that the COVID-19 Isolation Center takes precedence.
At the same time, we are heartbroken. Each year we welcome thousands of youth exhibitors, leaders, families, volunteers, small businesses and non-profit groups. The impact to the community is broad and extends from 4-Hers and FFA members who won’t be able to exhibit their projects to lost fundraising opportunities for local nonprofits. These people are what makes the Rock County 4-H Fair special and, with them in mind, we exhausted every option to hold the fair in 2020.
The fair board decided to share this update very soon after learning about the COVID19 Isolation Center plan.
We look forward to brighter, better days ahead when we can gather again to celebrate all that is exceptional about Rock County and the Rock County 4-H Fair. Until then, stay safe, be well and support each other. We’ll miss you.
The Rock County 4-H Fair is the oldest 4-H fair in the United States and celebrated it’s 90th fair in 2019. Our mission is to provide learning and leadership for the youth of Rock County. From the numerous animals to the carnival and every unique exhibit in between, the Rock County 4-H Fair allows visitors one special week a year to experience the many projects and learn from the county’s youth.
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