COVID-19 News: Blue Earth County Fair still planning for 2020 as four nearby counties cancel

Following news the Minnesota State Fair won’t happen this year due to the COVID-19 pandemic, three SW MN county fairs  announced cancellations in the last couple days. Fifty out of 90 county fairs have been cancelled to date.

But in Blue Earth County, fair organizers say they are still planning for the annual county fair. In a Facebook post, Blue Earth County organizers posted a poll asking followers whether they planned to attend the July 23- 26 event.   About 66% of the voters said they would plan to attend the fair if it was held.

The fair board also solicited comments from the general public, asking for opinions and possible volunteers. Comments were largely agreeable, with a few concerns and suggestions shared.

If the Blue Earth County Fair moves forward, it would be part of a small group of county fairs in the state. This week, the Nicollet County Fair Board announced their event was cancelled. Waseca, Steele, and Watonwan counties have also announced the cancellations of their fairs for this year.

There has been no word from the Brown County Fair Board to date.  A social media post last from Le Sueur says organizers are still planning to have a fair as they continue to monitor pandemic developments. And the Redwood County Fair website still lists the fair as being scheduled this year for July 15-19.