Elkhart County Planning for 4-H Fair with Safety Protocols

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As a subscriber you can listen to articles at work, in the car, or while you work out. Subscribe NowOne year after counties across Indiana canceled their 4-H fairs because of the pandemic, one of the largest county fairs in the U.S. is planning to be open this year, but with a multitude of safety restrictions in place.
Operators of the 2021 Elkhart County 4-H Fair say it will be held July 23-31 in Goshen.
“The COVID-19 situation is still rapidly changing from week to week. However, based on information provided to us by local authorities, the outlook is positive for large events to return this summer,” the Elkhart County 4-H & Agricultural Exposition Inc. said in a statement.
According to the Indiana State Festivals Association, the Elkhart County 4-H Fair is one of the largest attended events in the state with approximately 250,000 visitors.
But attendance will be capped this year as it follows restrictions set in conjunction with the Elkhart County Health Department.
To control the number of people at the fair, fairgoers will need to purchase admission tickets online and choose what day they will attend. Ticket sales will begin May 28.
Seating for grandstand/track events, such as concerts and tractor pulls, will be limited.
The fair says all guests over the age of 3 will be required to always wear face masks while on the fairgrounds, except when eating and drinking.
The operator of the carnival rides submitted a separate safety plan to the health department that has been previously approved. It includes physical distancing procedures, increased sanitation, and cashless payments.
“We ask our community members to understand that the required restrictions are outside of the fair’s control and our goal is to keep our guests and entire community safe. As a volunteer-driven non-profit organization, we ask for your support, and more importantly kindness as we wade through the uncertainties of this year,” said the fair board.
Click here to view the fair policies and restrictions.