The Montgomery County Ag Society (Montgomery County Fair Board), reports “Due to the ongoing social distancing guidelines and additional precautions taking place to help slow and reduce the spread of COVID-19, the Montgomery County Ag Society has made the difficult decision to cancel the grounds and grandstand entertainment for the 2020 Montgomery County Fair,” which runs July 14-19 in Red Oak.

Montgomery County Fair Board President Amy Liddell said in a social media post, “After consulting with Montgomery County Public Health, Montgomery County Emergency Management, the Montgomery County Board of Supervisors, and fair board members, it was determined this was the best decision due to the uncertainty of what the public health situation may look like in July. We want nothing more than to have a fair; however, volunteers, visitors, youth of Montgomery County and staff health and safety are our main concern.”

The Montgomery County Fair Board, in partnership with the Iowa State University Extension and Outreach of Montgomery County, are working to fulfill the fair vision of providing opportunities to the 4-H and FFA members to showcase their talents and accomplishments. Although event schedules are subject to change, please see the list below for current plans.

• Livestock Show – Show and Go Format (no animals will be housed on the grounds)
• Static Events – Dropped off exhibits with write-up will be judged
• Communications, Table Setting & Awardrobe Events – Format to be determined
• Clover Kids Graduation – Virtual Event to be determined
• Clover Kids Share Show – Cancelled
• Fair Queen Contest – Proceeding as planned
• All Open Class Events – Cancelled
• Grandstand Events – Cancelled
• Commercial Exhibits – Cancelled
• No concessions on the grounds
• Auction – Format will be changed to a premium base with additional details to be determined (please contact Fair Board to sponsor)

County fair is an opportunity for Montgomery County’s youth to have a unique learning experience. Even though fair in 2020 needs to happen in non-traditional ways, exhibits and evaluation of exhibits are important to help 4-H and FFA members complete their project learning. As details are finalized, information will be sent to families and volunteers. We will be live-streaming events as they occur and providing video links after the events. “During this time of uncertainty, the Extension staff is working with our amazing volunteers to offer educational opportunities for our youth this summer,” said Eva Woods, County Youth Coordinator for Iowa State University Extension and Outreach of Montgomery County. “Our youth have shown their dedication to their projects, and we want to reciprocate by giving them an outlet to showcase their hard work.”

“The Montgomery County Fair Board would like to thank all the supporters, sponsors, and partners for their support of the Montgomery County Fair,” Amy Liddell said. “We hope to see everyone at next year’s fair, July 13th – 18th, 2021!” For more information, regarding this year’s fair and updates about events at the fairgrounds, please follow the Montgomery County – IA Fair on Facebook. Please email Amy (liddellauctionservices@gmail.com) with additional inquiries. For more information, regarding 4-H & FFA events at this year’s fair, please follow Montgomery County-IA Extension on Facebook and at https://www.extension.iastate.edu/montgomery.

(Radio Iowa) –Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds, Tuesday, said she was in the process of setting up a call with the Iowa State Fair Board this week to discuss their plans for the 2020 State Fair, which is currently scheduled to begin August 13th.  “I know they’ve been trying to wait to see how Iowa responds to our continuing to open up our economy,” Reynolds says, “and so we’ll have an opportunity to visit with them this week and see if I can answer any questions that they may have and really listen to them and see what they’re considering as they’re moving forward with making a decision.”

Minnesota’s 2020 State Fair was cancelled last week. The Missouri State Fair is scheduled to begin on the same day as the Iowa State Fair. Missouri officials say they’ll make an announcement in early to mid-June about what their state fair will look like.