County Fairs, Festivals, Fireworks & Parades

      County  Fairs and Animal Exhibitions at County Fairgrounds

      county fair

      Governor DeWine announced that county and independent fairs with an opening day on or after July 31, 2020, will be limited to specific junior fair events. Junior fair activities such as livestock competitions and 4-H and Future Farmers of America competitions for kids and teenagers may continue as planned, but junior fairs must develop a plan that reduces crowding in barns, such as limiting entrance to only the immediate family of those actively showing their animals or projects. A 10 p.m. curfew will also be instituted for the barns, buildings, and midways.

      On July 30, 2020 issued the Director’s Amended Order Limiting County Fairs to Junior Fair Activities and Animal Exhibitions, with Exceptions.  

      While COVID-19 has made it impossible to hold fairs in the way we have in the past, they are of such importance to communities that every effort should be made to preserve the Junior Fair competitions and exhibits, as well as the open class (open to adults) events and competitions.  Ohio Department of Health created guidance to ensure a safe event that discourages large gatherings of people on the midway or other parts of the fairgrounds.

      Other Fairs, Festivals and Parades 

      Please note in accordance with the Ohio Department of Health Director's Second Order to Extend the Expiration Date of Various Orders (dated July 7, 2020) and the Director's Updated and Revised Order for Business Guidance and Social Distancing (dated May 29, 2020), at this time other Fairs, Festivals, Carnivals and Parades remain closed as part of Ohio's plan to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

      Fireworks

      In the June 23, 2020 News Release, Lt. Governor Husted noted today that Independence Day fireworks shows can proceed, but large gatherings are still prohibited at this time. He encouraged any community that plans on holding a fireworks event to do so safely. Spectators are encouraged to find ways to celebrate the Fourth of July in small groups such as by watching displays from their porches, backyards, or cars.