DeWine Orders Fairs Be Limited to Junior Fairs
It's becoming increasingly clear that we cannot have a safe fair in the COVID summer of 2020. I’ve made the difficult decision to limit all fairs to junior fair events only. – Gov. Mike DeWine
The constantly moving target of county fair planning was put to rest July 28.
The constantly moving target of county fair planning was put to rest July 28.
Gov. Mike DeWine announced Tuesday afternoon via a news briefing he would be issuing an order to limit all county fairs to junior fair events only.
“It’s becoming increasingly clear that we cannot have a safe fair in the COVID summer of 2020. I’ve made the difficult decision to limit all fairs to junior fair events only (livestock competitions and other 4-H and FFA competitions for kids and teens) starting on or after Friday, July 31,” DeWine said later on Twitter. “Harness racing can proceed with no spectators, but we are prohibiting rides, games and grandstand events going forward so that we can keep the crowds down.”
In a public statement July 29, Harris said fair board members were “shocked and deeply saddened” by DeWine’s order.
“The fair board has worked in good faith with the mandates from Governor DeWine and developed a plan to move forward with a safe and enjoyable event for those choosing to attend and participate. His decision to change the rules in midstream is troubling at best,” Harris said. “Please be patient as we review the options in the coming days. Monitor the fair website for updates as they become available. Thank you for the overwhelming calls and emails of support.”
DeWine’s decision comes on the heels of several recent meetings and discussions members of the Great Geauga County Fair Board have had with county officials — including Geauga Public Health Commissioner Tom Quade and Geauga County Commissioners — to discuss the best way to proceed with their historic fair.
As of last week, Fair Secretary Paul Harris said while he was working with GPH, the fair board intended to have a full fair, including rides, midway attractions and grandstand events with safety precautions and measures in place to ensure social distancing.
Harris said the fair administration and committees have been working with a task force at the state level and even had conversations with DeWine directly regarding COVID-19 safety precautions.
He said he also sought input from various other county fairs, as well as reached out to international gatherings to get best practices.
Harris told commissioners during a work session Friday afternoon about new tools they purchased for sanitization and disinfecting, including a foam gun sprayer for solid surfaces and a static sprayer for high-touch surfaces.
Treasurer Diane Cochran said $155,000 has been spent on additional cleaning and disinfecting supplies.
She applied for a $50,000 state grant to offset some of these costs, as well, she said.
Harris expressed his frustration with the Geauga County Board of Health and said Quade told him last Wednesday there was no intention to shut down the fair, but within 48 hours, Harris described communication as “less than pleasant.”
When asked to limit his communication to email only, Harris said Quade told him the fair should be strictly limited to a junior fair.
The Geauga County Board of Health passed a resolution July 23 formally asking the fair board to limit the county fair to a junior fair in an effort to reduce the risk of spreading COVID-19. (Visit geaugamapleleaf.com to read details of the board’s decision).
“I want to acknowledge the incredible work of the members of the fair board with whom I have met, especially Secretary Paul Harris,” Quade said in a press release. “They have made some difficult decisions in an effort to reduce the numbers of attendees and the amount of close interaction while in attendance. I sincerely want it to work out and they really tried but, unfortunately, the risks of viral transmission and the potential consequences are still simply too great. Frankly, fairs simply do not make any sense at this time.”
At last Friday’s work session with the fair board, Commissioner Tim Lennon recognized the fair board’s efforts.
“Since back in March, you guys were on this,” he said. “I commend your efforts since you helped write some of the regs. I appreciate your hard work.”
Commissioner Ralph Spidelieri added, “Geauga is looked upon as an example throughout all the state of Ohio. You have a lot of people who care and want to do the right thing.”
