Freeborn County Fair Canceled For 2021
There will not be a Freeborn County Fair in Albert Lea in 2021.
The Freeborn County Fair Board made the cancelation announcement on their Facebook page this morning citing that not only do they have concern for public safety, they also have to look at the financial stability of the Fair.
"Along with concern for the safety of the public, the Fair Board is also responsible for the financial stability of the Fair to ensure it will be able to continue for many years to come," the Fair Board put on the Facebook Page. "The COVID 19 restrictions currently in place from the Minnesota Department of Health and the Governor’s office limit the number of attendees at both indoor and outdoor entertainment events."
The Fair Board noted that the entertainment cost from the stage, lights, sound, and to the actual entertainment itself cost $300,000.
“This is a very difficult decision that the Board and I had to make, not taking it lightly," said Manager Mike Woitas. "We understand that people want to get out and enjoy the Fair, but planning for a successful fair at this time when there isn’t any guarantee the restrictions will be lifted, would jeopardize the fair for years to come.”
The Freeborn County Fair Board is planning on hosting 4-H shows for both livestock and non-livestock 4-Hers.
You can get the full post from the Freeborn County Fair below.
This is the first county fair in Southeast Minnesota to cancel their event. In 2020, there were no County Fairs in the area due to the pandemic.