May 13, 2020

While plans are underway for the 2020 Linn County Fair & Rodeo, the fair board has made the difficult decision to make adjustments to the schedule due to the COVID-19 environment that has impacted so many events already this year.

"Our first priority is the health and safety of fair participants and attendees," says Kelly Carbon, Linn County Fair Board President. "While our state is currently in a phased reopening plan, there is continued concern for large crowd gatherings throughout the summer and possibly longer. With this in mind, the fair board has made the decision to not move forward with the nightly grandstand events. This includes Demolition Derbies, Outlaw Truck & Tractor Pull and the PRCA Rodeos as these events would bring a high concentration of people from not only our local area, but surrounding communities and out-of-state."

"It is with careful consideration and many discussions with our county officials that we came to this decision," says Carbon. "At this time, we plan to have the annual county fair, however, it will look different than in years past."

The fair board will work closely with KSU research and extension, local 4-H agents, FFA and county officials as plans are made for 4-H/FFA and extension activities.  At this time, both virtual and traditional 4-H/FFA activities are being considered.

Our future plans include celebrating the 150th anniversary of the Linn County Fair & Rodeo in 2021.  There have been significant changes over the course of the nearly 150 years of the Linn County Fair, from its early beginnings in late 1870 to one of the most notable in 1946 with the purchase of land where the fair still resides today.

"Changes brought on by the current COVID-19 environment are certainly not ones that could have been anticipated and we hope are never repeated," says Carbon, speaking on behalf of the 30 volunteer fair board members. "The Linn County Fair is grateful for the continued support of our participants, spectators, sponsors and producers of the events. Generations of families have participated and attended the county fair and with the support of the patrons of Linn County and surrounding communities, and we know the fair will continue for many years to come.

 For further updates, please follow the Linn County Fair & Rodeo on Facebook or  www.linncountyfair.org