No fair

The fairgrounds in Luverne will be prepared as usual this summer even though the 2020 Rock County Fair was canceled last week.
The Rock County Ag Society Board of Directors met Tuesday, June 2, in a socially distanced, in-person meeting at the fairgrounds.
Society president Adam Kinsinger said discussions focused on whether or not they could conduct the annual event and still meet each of the state’s current coronavirus pandemic guidelines.
Board members issued a press release after their June 2 meeting.
“This decision did not come lightly,” they wrote. “Following the guidelines from the state and watching how they are progressing during this time, it is uncertain what the restrictions will allow come the end of July. The safety of the people in our community is priority No. 1.”
As of June 10, state guidelines recommend only events of 250 people or fewer.
Last year thousands of people attended the Rock County Free Fair each of the four days.
The annual event traditionally showcases 4-H general and livestock projects along with nightly grandstand events.
The Ag Society has added more daytime attractions and other public events to pull people to the fairgrounds in Luverne.
With the fair now canceled, members will still complete the annual improvements and July cleaning of grounds as usual.
“We just want to keep going on with cleaning out of buildings,” Kinsinger said. “Other than not having the fair, we are preparing like it is.”
Last week workers improved areas around the indoor show arena by pouring new concrete pads. The roof of the bathroom facilities near the fairground office will be replaced.
The fair’s annual operating budget primarily comes from donations and sponsorships, which will be rolled over to 2021.
Rock County joins the fairboards of Pipestone and Nobles counties that announced in late May the fairs in those respective counties will also be canceled.
 
4-H prepares for showcases for members
Minnesota State Fair officials also announced in May that the “Great Minnesota Get-together” was canceled for 2020.
The event was the highlight of the local 4-H program’s livestock and general project participants.
The University of Minnesota Extension Service, which directs the state 4-H program, is looking at organizing individual county events to showcase 4-H youth in each of the counties.
No specific details have been released.
All in-person 4-H events were suspended in March and remain suspended through June 30.