More details released on modified 2020 Allamakee County Fair

Variety of free entertainment and events; Tickets for grandstand admission go on sale this Friday

The Allamakee County Fair Board continues to make plans for the 2020 Allamakee County Fair, an event that will be modified this year due to the COVID-19 pandemic and mitigation guidelines put in place as a result of that virus. Despite the modifications, all involved with the planning process have been working hard to provide the best variety of events and entertainment possible under the unprecedented situation presented by the pandemic virus.

Still being planned for its original timeframe of that first full week in July, many of the same fair events are still being held as planned but with modifications to either schedules or format. There will be no midway carnival this year and the grandstand musical headliner “Slippery When Wet” and rodeo event will not be taking place, but there will still be plenty of entertainment to take part in or observe with social distancing and mitigation guidelines in mind.

ENTERTAINMENT TO WATCH FOR FREE OR PARTICIPATE IN
Originally scheduled as the opening musical act for this year’s fair, The Caminos will still live up to that billing as they will perform live in the middle grassy area of the fairgrounds in front of the Pavilion Thursday, July 9 at 7 p.m. The event is being offered as free will donation admission and the general public is invited to bring their own lawn chairs and blankets, keeping social distancing in mind when gathering.

During that performance, the Allamakee County Fair Royalty Team will be introduced. The Allamakee County Dairy Wagon and other food vendors will also be on site.

Prior to that performance by The Caminos, the Allamakee County Fair Board is trying to coordinate a local Talent Showcase of all ages, beginning at 5 p.m. Any and all talent is welcome to perform, and if there is enough interest additional talent showcase events may also take place Saturday or Sunday as well. To sign up to perform contact the Allamakee County Fair Board by email at allamakeefair@gmail.com or through the Allamakee County Fair Facebook page.

Another bit of free entertainment being planned to either take part in or observe is an Allamakee County version of ‘Family Feud’. Teams of five members consisting of family, friends or coworkers can participate and should contact the Allamakee County Fair Board via Facebook or by emailing allamakeefair@gmail.com. The first six groups to sign up will be guaranteed a spot in this first-ever event for the Allamakee County Fair.

The wonder and amazement of magician and Waukon native Jonathan May will also be available daily on the free stage. A Kiddie Tractor Pull is also being planned to take place.

GRANDSTAND ENTERTAINMENT SCHEDULE
Three of this year’s originally scheduled grandstand events at the Allamakee County Fair will still be taking place in the new modified format. Grandstand seating for those three events will be at 50% capacity, with social distancing recommended, according to current mitigation measures in place regarding the COVID-19 pandemic.

Those grandstand events will start off Friday, July 10 with a Truck and Tractor Pull beginning at 7 p.m., with the ATV/UTV event beginning at 5 p.m. Saturday, July 11. The grandstand performances will wrap up Sunday afternoon with the Tough Truck competition scheduled to begin at 1 p.m.

Tickets for the grandstand events are being sold in advance due to the seating capacity being limited for all those shows, beginning this Friday, June 26. The office at the Allamakee County Fairgrounds will be open for ticket sales Friday, June 26 from 4-7 p.m., again Saturday, June 27 from 9 a.m.-12 noon, as well as Monday, June 29 from 4-7 p.m. and again Wednesday, July 1 from 4-7 p.m.

Tickets can also be purchased online by visiting www.allamakeecountyfair.org, starting June 26 at 12 noon as well. Tickets must be purchased for each individual evening performance, as there will be no ticket books this year. Ticket prices per performance are $10 for adults and $5 for ages 10 and under.

IN SUPPORT OF THIS YEAR’S FAIR
Fair Board officials say that letters were mailed out the middle of last week to last year’s Allamakee County Fair sponsors explaining this year’s modified plans for the fair and welcoming donations toward this year’s operating expenses, in lieu of the traditional sponsorship packages. Those wishing to make such a donation are welcome to do so using the form mailed with the letter, or anyone can mail their donation to Allamakee County Agricultural Society, P.O. Box 208, Waukon, IA 52172 or drop off their donations at The Standard newspaper office, 15 First Street NW in Waukon. Additional questions may be answered by emailing allamakeefair@gmail.com.

LIVESTOCK EVENTS MODIFIED AS WELL
ISU Allamakee County Extension is continuing with its modified plans for the 2020 Allamakee County Fair. All 4-H and FFA youth activities will occur with specific guidelines implemented, according to mitigation restrictions, with efforts and resources shifted to a limited audience for “Show and Go” livestock exhibition throughout the week and contact-free Static, Clothing and Communication Exhibit Judging.

“The health and safety of our 4-H members, families, volunteers, staff and animals are the primary concern in making this decision,” Extension officials explained. “Allamakee County Extension and Outreach must follow the guidance of Allamakee County Public Health and Iowa 4-H.”

For this year a Livestock Premium Auction will take the place of the traditional Livestock Auction. There will be no live auction of animals, prior arrangements for market animals have been made.

The Livestock Premium Auction will be held Sunday, July 12 at 5 p.m. at the Allamakee County Fairgrounds Show Barn. Local 4-H supporters are invited to participate, and buyers will have the opportunity to bid on an Allamakee County 4-H youth. The resulting donation will be a premium distributed to the youth to show support of their hard work throughout this unique year.

Additional questions can be addressed by emailing allamakee4h@iastate.edu or by calling 563-568-6345.