A hometown newspaper with a local office, local owners & lots of local news
A hometown newspaper with a local office, local owners & lots of local news
The Carlton County Fair is unique in its continuing horse races each year, as seen here in 2019. There will be no races or other fair events this year, as it has been canceled.
There will be no horse races, no midway rides, no cows or goats or pigs or chickens in the barns at the Carlton County Fairgrounds come August, as the county fair is yet another victim of the coronavirus pandemic.
The Carlton County Agriculture Society board of directors announced on Facebook last week that it decided to cancel the 2020 fair in Barnum.
The decision came after many "difficult discussions with fair and community representatives," the board stated. "We reviewed guidelines put forth by the Minnesota governor's orders, Minnesota Federation of County Fairs, and our ability to manage social distancing guidelines. We also had many discussions on not only doing what was best for the health and safety of all those involved in the fair, but how hosting such a large event could affect our small community."
Fairs across the state have been canceled in the wake of the Minnesota State Fair board deciding in May that there would be no fair in Falcon Heights this year.
"After a silent room, tears had by some, we decided what was in the best interest of all considering the pandemic is to cancel the Carlton County Fair for 2020," the board reported.
Responses to the announcement were supportive, although tinged with sadness.
"My favorite fair, and have loved bringing grandchildren but you made the right decision," wrote Mary Overland.
"Tough decision but understandable," posted Julie Lucas. "I don't envy any of you who had to sort out the requirements and take everything into consideration. It'll make us all appreciate it even more in 2021."
The Minnesota State Fair was canceled for just the sixth time in its existence. The last time was in 1946, due to a polio outbreak.
The Carlton County fairgrounds will remain open for events that follow social distancing guidelines, the board noted. Examples of events include weddings, graduation parties, camping, horse shows, and 4-H programs after the University of Minnesota Extension issues guidelines.
