Contributed photo The Tama County Fair Board canceled the 2020 event. The decision was made amidst rising COVID-19 case numbers. There will be no livestock or static shows this year.

The 2020 Tama County Fair is canceled. The Board announced earlier in June that an adjusted plan was in place to allow 4-H and FFA shows to take place but for the event to be closed to the public. In a statement released yesterday, the Fair Board updated their earlier decision to cancel all County Fair activities including the 4-H and FFA shows citing public health concerns and a rise in positive cases of COVID-19 in Tama County.

The statement went on to read:

Iowa State University Extension and Outreach Tama County and the Tama County Fair Board officially announce there will be no livestock or static shows this year.

On July 11, multiple extension staff and fair leaders were notified of possible COVID-19 exposure. Tama County Public Health instructed all to self-isolate. Information from Tama County Public Health shows a significant climb in positive cases of COVID-19 in Tama County during the weeks of June 29 and July 6. Out of an abundance of caution for our youth, volunteers and families, ISU Extension and Outreach Tama County and the Tama County Fair Board made the difficult decision to cancel the Tama County Fair.

Tama County Fair Board President Matt Jackson said the decision was difficult and required a great deal of collaboration between the Tama County Extension Council chair, ISU Extension and Outreach staff and the Tama County Fair Executive Board. Ultimately the decision was made to cancel for 2020 to keep the health and safety of youth participants, families and community members at the forefront.

“It is unfortunate that we had to make this decision, but our priority is to protect those who live and work in Tama County and to help stop the spread of COVID-19. We will be back in 2021 and look forward to resuming the great Tama County Fair,” said Jackson.

Tama County Fair Executive Board member Seth Koch said, “In light of those who plan to self-isolate, it would have been extremely difficult to conduct the 2020 Tama County Fair. Additionally, based on guidance from the Association of Iowa Fairs, we felt as a board it was better to err on the side of safety and caution.”

“We appreciate the patience and understanding our 4-H and FFA members and their families have shown us throughout this difficult year,” Jenny Hulme, Tama County youth coordinator said. “We look forward to a fresh start in 2021.”

For further information, contact the ISU Extension and Outreach Tama County office at 641-484-2703 or xtama@iastate.edu.