No grandstand events, no carnival due to COVID-19
There will be no grandstand events and no carnival at this year’s version of the Platte County Fair, which is being significantly condensed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Platte County Fair officials made the announcement in a press release distributed on Sunday, which noted the fair will also scale back to three days instead of the normal four.
Fair officials said the first Platte County Fair was held for three days in October of 1863, and most likely consisted of a large community picnic, livestock and horse showings.
“Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the fair will be greatly modified this year. ‘Returning to our roots,’ the 157th Platte County Fair will once again be a three-day event, featuring 4-H exhibits, and horse and livestock shows. Even though there will be no grandstand events or carnival, we are extremely grateful to have a fair this year,” said Rick Hill, president of the Platte County Fair Association. “This will also allow us to maintain the title of the ‘Oldest Continuous Operating Fair west of the Mississippi River.'”
The Platte County Fair Association, in conjunction with the Platte County 4-H Clubs and the Platte County Livestock Booster Club will present the following:
A Sheep and Goat Show will be held at the Livestock Pavilion on Friday, July 24. Check-in begins at 8 a.m., Sheep Show begins at 10 a.m. followed by the Goat Show.
4-H Exhibits will be on display in the Mack Myers/4-H Building Friday through Sunday, July 24-26. Public viewing of these exhibits will be 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. and 6 – 8 p.m. on Friday, July 24, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. on Saturday, July 25 and 11 a.m.- 1 p.m. on Sunday, July 26.
On Saturday, July 25, the Poultry Show will be held on the lawn east of the Platte Purchase Building. Check-in is at 8 a.m., with the s how starting at 9 a.m. Also, the Swine Show will be held at the Livestock Pavilion, with check-in at 8 a.m., and the show beginning at 10 a.m.
In addition, a Rooster Crowing Contest hosted by Yellow Boot Saddlery will be held on Saturday on the lawn east of the Platte Purchase Building after the Poultry Show. This contest is open to all ages, free entry, with the winner receiving a trophy.
A Horse Show will take place at 9 a.m. in the Shackelford Arena on Saturday, July 25.
On Sunday, July 26, a Cattle Show will be held at the Livestock Pavilion with check-in at 8 a.m., and show beginning at 10 a.m.
Please Note: There will be no gate fee for admission to the fairgrounds and no concessions, so plan accordingly. All fairgoers and participants are encouraged to observe CDC and the Platte County Health Department safety and social distancing guidelines. In addition, masks should be worn in the Mack Myers/4-H Building. This is the only enclosed building, all other activities are held in open air buildings.
For Additional Information:
4-H Contact: Laura Evans – 816-719-7643.
Horse Show Contact: Dave or Kay Clark – 816-858-2701.
Platte County Livestock Booster Club Contact – Ruth Nelson – 918-441-0600.