(JACKSON CO.) – In a unified decision today the Jackson County 4-H Council, Purdue Extension Jackson County, and Jackson County Fair Association announced they have canceled the 2020 Jackson County Fair.
The fair was scheduled for July 26 through Aug. 1 at the fairgrounds in Brownstown.
With the fair having an average attendance of 130,000, officials said it would have been difficult to meet all of the requirements set by Gov. Eric Holcomb and Purdue University to host the fair.
“The health of the community, financial/economic impact and logistics of the fair were all considered before a final decision was made,” the statement says.
“The Jackson County Fair is known as a place where people come to gather. This is evident in one of its nicknames, ‘The Lawn Chair Fair,’” the statement says. “However, a large gathering at the end of July currently poses a great deal of risk to our visitors and volunteers from all communities that come to the fair and the related churches, schools, and places of work of our visitors and volunteers.”
The Jackson County Fair will be a virtual format for all 4-H projects.
Over the next few weeks, 4-H volunteers will make decisions on project exhibitions, livestock projects, and the traditional 4-H livestock auction. Specific details will be mailed and emailed directly to all 4-H families in the next few weeks.
The extension office also will be sending out information for livestock participants to pick up tags. They should wait until the process is communicated to contact the office. If families have 4-H manuals at the extension office, they can call 812-358-6101 to schedule a pickup time. Resources will be placed in a tote outside the extension office door.
“We will continue to make sure everyone has the information they need moving forward,” the statement says. “We look forward to celebrating our youths’ accomplishments just as we do every summer. This year, however, it will look different. Our 4-H volunteers and 4-H members are resilient. We will get through this difficult time together.”
Officials hope to see everyone at the 2021 Jackson County Fair, which is set for July 25 through 31.
