The state Controlling Board approved $4.7 million in funding on Monday to help ensure that fairs can continue this summer.
Each fair that conducts a junior fair will receive $50,000 to be used for costs to conduct the fair in a safe manner consistent with COVID-19 health guidelines. Fairs that do not conduct a junior fair can still receive $15,000 to be used for next year’s fair.
Local fair boards who had already announced cancellations in 2020 can apply for a new date with the Ohio Department of Agriculture, if they would like to go forward this year. At least one county fair has already reversed its prior cancellation and is going forward with this year’s fair under the new and more flexible guidelines.
In a press release announcing the funding, State Senator Theresa Gavarone stated: “County fairs are vital to our local economies and communities. This funding will provide much needed relief for counties to move forward with fairs this summer.”
More information on safety guidelines for Ohio’s fairs can be found here, https://coronavirus.ohio.gov/static/responsible/County-Fairs.pdf. For a list of all Ohio county and independent fairs, visit www.ohiofairs.org.
