Rice County Fair Executive Director John Dvorak stopped by KDHL this morning to announce the Fair Board decided to cancel this year's event.

Dvorak said, "Believe me it was not an easy decision to make." Adding all the board members love the fair and all it represents.  He indicated it came down to a business decision.

Last year's Rice County Fair was plagued with bad weather.  Still approximately 50,000 people enjoyed the carnival rides, food stands, animals in the barns and entertainment.

Dvorak isn't certain but has been told there was no fair in 1946 or 1947 due to polio.  That is the only other time the Rice County Fair is believed to have been cancelled.

Dvorak says they are, "Looking forward to the 2021 Rice County Fair."  He hopes people missing all the fun this year will support the fair next year.

The Goodhue County Fair and Cannon Valley Fair as well as the Steele County Fair have not made any formal announcements concerning their events this year.

Announcements are anticipated soon from their leaders.

In fact I spoke with a Goodhue County Fair Board member.  They are scheduled to have a meeting at the end of this week where a vote will be taken on the status of the fair held in Zumbrota.

The Cannon Valley Fair Board was scheduled to decide last Monday but a tie vote led to a tabling of the decision to June 1.

Wabasha County has cancelled.  The Dodge County Fair Board has announced on their Facebook  page they have made, "The difficult decision to cancel the 2020 Dodge County Fair due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

Dodge County 4-H says they are disappointed but remain, "committed to offering an alternative for Dodge County youth to showcase their learning and achievements.  So keep working on your projects and be sure to ID your animals by June 1 and get your fair entry registrations in by June 15th.  In partnership with the Fair Board, we will find a way to celebrate your effort and create a pathway to state events."

MORE TO EXPLORE: Top 10 Best 'Unofficial' Minnesota State Symbols

 

More From KRFO-AM