The Riley County Fair is still on for this year, but with some major changes.
Speaking to the Riley County commission, Extension Director Gary Fike says they have spoken with the health department on what to do. The Kaw Valley Rodeo will not be held this year and the carnival is still uncertain.
The fair will start on Jul 23 with the 4 H fair proceeding as normal. On that day, 4 H members will bring in their exhibits and the livestock will be brought in. All judging competitions will be face to face with social distancing measures in place. Traffic flow signs will be in place for Porttoff Hall to keep people distanced. There will also be more hand washing stations as well.
Fike says some events that have done in the past that will not happen this year include the kids peddle tractor pull, live entertainment, and the fair olympics.
Fike says the carnival at this point is an uncertainty, but they are expecting their vendors return if they choose to. They are allowing vendors to go ahead and send in their reservations. If they decide to back out, a full refund will be given. Fike says this is due to their business depending on crowd size.
4 H Agent John Jobe says they have a plan B if either state or local policies change. Plan B will still allow the 4 H exhibits with judging, but would be a come and go situation and not open to the public.
Fike says if they have to go to plan B, then 4 H kids will still be able to get their projects evaluated by an expert.
