Olmsted County Fair Canceled

Rochester, MN (KROC AM News) - There will be no Olmsted County Fair this summer, at least not during its earlier schedule.

The Olmsted County Fair Board Tuesday announced it has canceled the fair as scheduled (July 27- August 2) and is planning alternative options.

The board’s decision follows last week’s cancellation of the Minnesota State Fair due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The board says one of its top priorities “is offering some form of programming for our 4H, FFA, and potentially Open Class programs. We are exploring any and all options for these groups.”

The board is also considering other event options, including a possible drive-in theater and concert venue at Graham Park where the fair is held.

“The health and safety of our fairgoers and the greater community is very important to us; this was not an easy decision and we take it very seriously. We have spent countless hours trying to chart the best path forward,” said Scott Schneider, Olmsted County Fair Board President. 

“Since the onset of our current situation we have been working with the board to develop unique and creative strategies that hopefully address the ever-changing COVID-19 landscape. We have taken the approach of simultaneously planning for multiple scenarios up to and including this cancelation. We wanted to be prepared for just about anything and still be able to offer something to our community. This is the type of planning that normally takes a year and we are trying to get it done in months but we all stand ready for the challenge.” said Brandon Helgeson, owner of Big BANG Companies, the fair’s contracted Marketing and Event Company.