June 4, 2020

To our fair family,

The members of the Lee Co. Fair Association sadly announce the cancellation of the 2020 Lee Co. Fair & Jr. Show. The roll call vote taken at our meeting could not have been more somber.

Since March, our volunteer board of directors has been meeting virtually discussing one topic – how do we bring the fair experience we all love to existence during these uncertain times. We asked a lot of questions, many of which had no answers. We consulted with our local health department, the Bureau of County Fairs, our local 4-H program, our fair volunteers, vendors, and other partners. We explored options to modify the fair to give kids the opportunity to display their hard work and bring the community together.

We looked at the behind-the-scenes details like finances and logistics including foot traffic flow and availability of cleaning supplies. We asked, repeatedly, for interpretations of the guidelines set forth in the phased Restore Illinois plan, and we realized our hands were tied.

We are aware of the ripple effect. From the local gentleman who engraves our plaques to the business who designs our banners, from the food vendors to the rodeo company, from our generous donors to the volunteers who show up every. single. year, to the families and kids who truly bring the fair spirit to our fairgrounds . . . we understand the cost associated with our decision.   

During the next two days, we will be in contact with all our fair partners to share our decision and begin planning for 2021.

This is another teachable moment delivered by COVID-19. Another disappointment. Another cancellation of a summer tradition for so many of us. Take a minute to be disappointed. Be angry. Be sad. We are. And then take these unprecedented times to make new summer memories. We will. Go to work on projects that have sat for too long. We are.

Because next year, we will see you July 22-25 at the Lee Co. 4-H Center & Fairgrounds for our fair.

Sincerely,

The Lee Co. Fair Association