Friends:

Let me begin by saying that myself, and the entire Warren County Fair Board, share the community’s concern about the ongoing challenges presented by COVID-19. I’d like to share with you a few thoughts about the 2021 Warren County Agriculture & Livestock Fair and our approach to these unprecedented times.

The Warren County A&L Fair is an incredibly complex event that requires months upon months of planning, preparation, and investment. Extensive work must be done to the buildings & grounds, supplies must be ordered, contractual agreements must be made, and information must be processed. The Fair is an event that directly impacts numerous organizations within our community and requires the cooperation of countless people in order to be successful. The decision to proceed with the Fair each year is one that is made well in advance of the Fair’s actual dates. It is done so in good faith with the best information available at the time and it is never taken lightly. We as the Fair Board make every effort to provide the best event possible for our community, and have done so for almost seven decades.

Once again, we find ourselves facing the very real threat of COVID-19. I, like so many others, am optimistic about this situation and have abundant faith in our community’s strength and resilience. I believe in Warren County, and I believe in each and every one of you. It is my conviction that we as a community will weather this storm together just as we have so many others. As the 2021 Warren County A&L Fair is once again upon us, I’d like to share with you some information about this year’s Fair.

• The overwhelming majority of our grounds are outdoor and open-air. To the extent possible, we make efforts to keep our buildings well-ventilated to allow the atmosphere to remain fresh.

• The CDC recommends the practice of social distancing to reduce the risk of the spread of disease.

• We have expanded our handwashing & hand hygiene capabilities. Aggressive hand hygiene is strongly recommended.

• Although face coverings are NOT required for the public in Warren County, the CDC recommends their use indoors. Face coverings will be available upon request, subject to supply and availability. Guests are invited and encouraged to bring their own face coverings. We also ask that guests properly dispose of their face coverings when necessary.

• Janitorial and sanitation staff are available at all times that the Fair is open and we invite attendees to report any issues that they may find.

• Signage will be placed with COVID-19 information and reminders throughout the grounds.

With all of this stated, I want to now ask our community to partner with us to make the Fair as successful as possible. If you feel sick, exhibit signs or symptoms of COVID-19, have been exposed to COVID-19, or meet CDC recommendations for isolation or quarantine, I ask that you please be considerate of your neighbors and do not attend the Fair. I ask that you also carefully review CDC recommendations & guidelines as they pertain to attendees of public events. 

Likewise, I understand that everyone must make an informed decision about their own health & safety each and every day. I speak for the entire Fair Board when I say that this is a decision that the Fair Board respects. Please carefully consider your choice to attend the Fair, especially if you are in a group considered to be at high or exceptional risk. There is an inherent risk of contracting COVID-19 in any setting, public or private, where people are gathered. The well-being of Warren County’s citizens is of genuine concern, and we as a board understand and respect your concerns about COVID-19 and your family’s health & safety. We do not wish to encourage anyone to do anything with which they are not comfortable, but rather to make responsible decisions about their own health. The choice to attend or not to attend this year’s Fair is such a decision that you must make and one that we respect.

The Warren County A&L Fair makes extensive efforts to provide a safe and positive community event for our citizens. However, it is important to realize that there is an inherent risk in entering the Fair, just as there are risks in going to a restaurant, shopping in public, or going to the grocery store. I must stress to you that we cannot guarantee that you will not be exposed to COVID-19 when you visit the Fair. There is an inherent risk of contracting COVID-19 when venturing into any setting where other people are present. Please understand that you are voluntarily assuming this risk by entering the Fairgrounds and attending this year’s fair.

I offer each and every citizen of Warren County my sincerest gratitude for their patience and understanding with the Warren County A&L Fair Board as we endeavor to provide this community with the best service that we can possibly offer. 

I look forward to many more years of doing my part to provide you with the amazing annual event that we have all come to know and love.

Respectfully yours,

Regan Kelsey, President, Warren County Agriculture & Livestock Fair