All public events at the Central Kansas Free Fair, will not be held this year. The Fair Board made the decision to cancel all public events for that fair. That includes the Wild Bill Kickok Rode, the demolition derby, tractor pull, carnival, parade, open class judging and other entertainment events.
In a social media post it was noted that the decision was not made lightly, and has taken into consideration guidance from the Dickinson County Health Officer, K-State Research and Extension, the Kansas Department of Agriculture plus city and county officials. The Fair Board also considered the financial impacts that the COVID-19 pandemic has placed on families, businesses and the fair board.
They do plan to return with a fair in 2021.
The focus of the 2020 fair will be given to the 4-H members to have their exhibits judged in a safe and healthy environment. Those judging events, including livestock shows, will not be open to the public and access to the fairgrounds will be limited to exhibitors, immediate family, event volunteers and staff. Efforts will be made to video shows and photograph exhibits to the public access to view them online.
Look for further updates on the livestock auction.