LAST-MINUTE MUSINGS: Did we really almost cancel the fair?

Maybe we should just cancel the fair this year.

I’m not exaggerating when I say I’ve probably heard that line spoken a hundred times here in the Banner Graphic newsroom.

It’s not that we don’t like the fair — the fun, the food, the celebration of accomplishments — but it is a long, hot, tiring week for everyone. I think many of us just feel beaten into submission by the end.

So it was a bit odd this spring when serious conversations began springing up around the community:

What’s the fair going to look like?

Is there even going to be a fair?

It was hard to say that last one with a straight face.

I must say I admire and do not envy those who had to make the tough decisions regarding the 2020 Putnam County 4-H Fair.

And a true 4-H fair it will be, considering that if it isn’t 4-H, it isn’t happening.

Gone are the parade, the Legion Burgers, the carnival, the milkshakes, the music, the elephant ears, the industrial tent.

Gone as well are Extension-sponsored events related to Adult Open Class and Harris Hall.

Except for the Miss Putnam County Fair Queen Contest (at right) the only “fair” events will directly involve 4-H members and their projects.

I’m sure this has sparked a variety of reactions around the community, but it seems to me that the Extension Office and Fair Board were simply playing the hand they were dealt. I applaud them for cutting back all the things that don’t absolutely have to happen at the fair and remaining focused on the most important thing of any 4-H fair: The kids and their accomplishments.

It’s also worth noting that unless you are a 4-H member, immediate 4-H parent/guardian/family helper, 4-H volunteer or Extension staff member, you probably won’t be at the Putnam County Fair this year. (I should note here that there will be a couple of reporters and a crew from Endeavor Communications on hand to help keep folks informed about the Fair.)

Furthermore, no one — human or animal — will be staying overnight at the fairgrounds this year.

And those who are in attendance will be expected to wear a mask in any situation where they are in close contact with others.

You can find many of the details in the pages that follow, including info about the streaming queen contest, Endeavor’s streaming events, information on 4-H activities exactly as they came from the Extension Office, Adult Open Class information, Harris Hall non-fair activities and a word from Putnam County Extension Director Mark Evans himself.

Look in the pages that follow. I hope there are answers to your questions.

But before you go any further, I have a personal appeal for some of you:

If you have an issue with how this year’s fair is being run, that’s your right. But please understand that none of the decisions made by Extension or Fair Board representatives were taken lightly. Running them down, getting in their faces about their decisions and breaking the rules won’t do anyone any good. So let’s all just make the best of our less-than-ideal circumstances this year and look forward to a great return to normal in 2021.