2020 Racine County Fair Canceled Over COVID-19 Concerns

RACINE COUNTY, WI — The 2020 Racine County Fair is the latest summer event to be canceled amid the ongoing coronavirus pandemic in Wisconsin.

"The Racine County Ag Society Board of Directors is heartbroken for the small businesses, family farms, competitors, exhibitors, volunteers, community outreach groups, and everyone else who dedicates their time to the Racine County Fair," organizers said in a statement Tuesday morning. "Please note, this was not an easy decision. The board understands the disappointment and frustration to all and asks for respect for the difficult decision."

Fair officials said as long as the COVID-19 situation improves to the point where it’s safe to hold mass gatherings, the Racine County Fair will return in 2021 from July 28 to Aug. 1.

In the meantime, the Fair Board voted to hold a Junior Animal Livestock Show and Sale. More details will be coming on this for youth to exhibit their hard work, Fair organizers said.

For more information about refunds, visit Racine County Fair’s Website, www.racinecountyfair.com.

The Wisconsin State Fair was the next domino to fall amid the coronavirus pandemic, after officials announced the 2020 fair was canceled in late May.

"On behalf of the entire State Fair Park Board of Directors, please know that the decision to cancel the 2020 Wisconsin State Fair was not taken lightly," said Wisconsin State Fair Park Board Chairman John Yingling in a statement. "Months of deliberation took place, considering all options to host a Fair that adheres to the highest standard of safety without compromising the experience. We explored countless models, but ultimately safety cannot be compromised. The risks associated with hosting an event of this size and scope right now are just too great."

According to State Fair officials, postponing the event until later this year was not a viable option because of carnival and concession vendor timetables, artist scheduling, staffing challenges and the timing of youth agriculture shows, seeing that many youth participants would be back in school and unable to participate.