GREEN BAY (NBC 26) — Dozens of fairs have been cancelled across the state, including the Wisconsin State Fair, due to concerns around Covid-19. However, taking a look around Northeast Wisconsin, you'll still be able to get out to the fairgrounds; it's just going to look a little different.
"The fair as we know it, is really not happening this year," said Brian Stilles, the Outagamie County Fair Manager.
Tough decisions by fair boards are changing the way this summer's events will be happening. Some counties deciding to cancel completely; others are still a go for now.
"Not having a fair is a big deal to a lot of people," said Steve Corrigan, the president of the Brown County Fair Association.
That's why many fairs are taking precautions to put on a safe event.
In Outagamie County, the county fair is just over a month away. Stilles said while there won't be rides, typical midway events, or fair food, you'll still be able to see some animals and cars on the track.
"Primarily it's going to be those motor sport events in the grandstands," Stilles said. "Carnivals and lines of people, standing and waiting for food vendors, those things we couldn't just pack people in the grounds."
But for other fairs in the area, like Brown County's whose event is set for mid-August: "We're 60 days away from it and everything seems to be improving," Corrigan added; they're hoping for the best with a full event.
"We're preparing to have more, we're being told by other officials be prepared for larger crowds."
Aside from signage, the Brown County Fair Association has bought 6-700 gallons of hand sanitizer to help with safety measures.
"It's up to everybody's personal opinion if they want to attend," Corrigan said.
Fair leaders adding they'll continue to monitor the coronavirus situation as fair dates approach.
To read more about precautions being taken or when Northeast Wisconsin county fairs are taking place, check out the list below. Some fair boards are still waiting to see how much impact coronavirus will have closer to fair dates. Fond du Lac County fair said they'll be releasing more information about their event Friday, June 12.
NORTHEAST WISCONSIN COUNTY FAIRS:
- Brown County Fair (August 19 - 23)
- Calumet County Fair (September 4 - 7)
- Door County Fair : CANCELLED
- Fond du Lac County Fair (July 15 - 19)
- Green Lake County Fair : CANCELLED
- Kewaunee County Fair : CANCELLED
- Manitowoc County Fair: CANCELLED
- Marinette County Fair (August 27 - 30)
- Marquette County Fair : CANCELLED
- Menominee County Fair : NONE
- Oconto County Fair (August 15, 16 & 19-23)
- Outagamie County Fair (July 22 - 26)
- Shawano County Fair (September 2 - 7)
- Sheboygan County Fair (September 3 - 7)
- Waupaca County Fair (CANCELLED)
- Waushara County Fair (August 20 - 23)
- Winnebago County Fair : CANCELLED
