By Jordon Bennet
Harney County Fair Manager

As you are all aware, this year is different than any year we can remember. Unfortunately, the 2020 Harney County Fair is not immune to the challenges and changes of the year. The county court, fair board, and fairgrounds staff are doing everything they can to host a fair that is safe, inviting, and still entertaining. We are aware that the messaging regarding the fair has been lacking, erratic, and confusing to many of you. Please use the following information and schedule as a guidepost for the 2020 fair. However, please keep in mind that the demands and guidelines are continually changing, and adjustments are always being made. There may be variations in operating procedures and the schedule between reading this article and the start of fair. Below are details regarding admission costs, each area of the fair, the public-safety measures that we are taking, and other changes that we are making to the 2020 fair. Please do not hesitate to reach out to the fair office, a board member, or the county court with any concerns or questions.

Fair admission

• $15 per car with two-plus occupants.

• $5 for single-occupancy vehicles or walk ups.

• Volunteers will be collecting payment from vehicles at the entrance of the grounds and along the road.

Grandstand admission

• $5 per person (5 and under free).

• Admission to the grandstands will only be collected on Friday and Saturday.

• The $5 fee will be good all day, and a hand stamp will allow reentry into the stands.

Public safety and cleaning

• The county court and fair board will provide masks in several areas of the grounds for visitors to take and use at their discretion.

• There will be several handwashing stations placed around the grounds. Hand sanitizer will be placed where we are unable to place wash stations.

• Hand pump sprayers with a concentrated peroxide-based solution (like those used in hospital settings) will be used to spray, clean, and disinfectant restrooms and all public areas.

• The grandstands will be split into three color-coded sections to encourage social distancing.

• The grounds entertainment stage will be pushed back to allow for adequate social distancing.

• Vendor booths will also be spread out to allow social distancing.

Static exhibits

We are still doing open class static exhibits (flowers, crops, hobbies, sewing, etc.). Check in for exhibits will be Wednesday, Sept. 9, from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. If you are unable to drop off your exhibits in the time frame, please reach out to the fair office to make special arrangements.

Livestock

Livestock will be an open junior show. Please review the schedule, as judging times will be different from previous years. The biggest change to the livestock area will be the auction. The auction was moved to the Outside Ring to provide more room.

Family attractions

After reviewing all carnival and attraction options, we came to the conclusion that there was no easy or proper way to provide them and keep them sanitary. Instead, we will be hosting interactive family games. They include, but are not limited to, sack races, hay bale tosses, and hot dog eating contests.

A complete schedule of events for the fair can be found on page 14.

•••

Youth Livestock Virtual Sale

The 2020 COVID-19 Youth Livestock Virtual Sale will be held Monday, Sept. 7, through Friday, Sept. 11. This sale is an alternative for the 4-H and FFA members who can’t be at the Harney County Fair because of COVID-19. To view the sale, go to: auction.showorks.cloud/fair/harney

For buyer instructions, visit https://support.showorkscloud.com/portal/en/kb/articles/buyers-instructions

Animals up for sale will be sold per head. Those participating in the sale and their animals are as follows:

• Mattie Woodbury — Lamb • Mary Woodbury — Lamb

• Taylor Krueger — Swine • Anita Peila — Swine

• Kendal Nichols — Swine • Kamryn Dunten — Beef

• Kaylee Dunten — Beef • Allie Bohnart — Goat

• Brady Gilmer — Beef • Lily Relk — Swine

• Ana Idoeta — Beef • Elaia Idoeta — Beef

• Kristy Cotton — Lamb

One percent of the auction total is the fee for using the online program. For more information, call 541-589-2332.