The 2020 Geary County Free Fair events will not be open to the public this summer due to COVID-19. Extension Agent Ginger Kopfer has announced that the Free Fair Board has made the decision to cancel all public events for the fair this year.
The focus will be on giving 4-H members the opportunity for judging of their exhibits in a safe and healthy environment. The judging events, including livestock shows, will not be open to the public and access to the fairgrounds will be limited to those who need to be there. That could include 4-H members who are exhibiting, their immediate family, event volunteers and staff.
Kopfer said every effort will be made to video shows and photograph exhibits so the public can view them online. The project and livestock auction at the end of the fair will be conducted virtually. Further details on that will be provided when they become available.
Kopfer said the decision was not made lightly and has taken into consideration guidance from the Geary Health Department, Kansas Department of Agriculture K-State Research and Extension and Kansas 4-H. Officials look forward to a great fair in 2021.