County Fairs Can Reopen In Ohio

COLUMBUS, OH — County fairs and animal exhibitions can now resume in Ohio. New health and safety restriction must be followed at the events.

"While the coronavirus 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 events and competitions," a state health order signed on Tuesday said.

Here are the new rules for fairs.

Fairs should discourage large groups of people gathering on midways. Buildings and exhibits should have one-way traffic, where possible. Judges for livestock competitions should wear masks for at least part of the competition.

Grandstands should be limited to half their capacity. No event should allow more than 2,500 spectators. Seated spectators should be six feet apart, unless they are family.

Microphones must be sanitized before each new person uses the mic. Families should be grouped together in bleachers and other viewing areas. Family members of participants in competitions will have priority seating.

Barns should be open as much as possible, to allow for good ventilation. Concession stands must follow the same rules as reopened restaurants and customers have to queue up with at least six-feet of distance between each patron.

The newly-signed health order mandates that all fair employees wear face masks, and all visitors be allowed to wear their own face coverings. Social distancing practices must be followed and there must be opportunities for visitors to regularly wash their hands with water and soap.