Will the sights, the sounds, and the joy that is the Warren County A&L Fair be dampened by COVID-19?

Warren County Fair Board president Regan Kelsey says many people are asking if the fair will suffer the same fate as many other community events. He hopes not.

“The fair board currently has no plans to postpone or cancel this year’s event as of now,” said Kelsey. “The latest guidance that we have received from the State Department of Agriculture basically says they have no idea what restrictions will be in place at the time our fair takes place, therefore we feel it would be totally irresponsible to make a decision regarding cancellation at this point considering our fair is still four months away.”

Kelsey added, “We recognize this is a fluid situation and the future, as always, is filled with uncertainty, but we are currently making plans and preparations for this year’s fair. Rest assured, the safety of our exhibitors, volunteers, and general public is of the greatest concern to us. We will continue to monitor the situation concerning the COVID-19 pandemic and try to do the best we can with the circumstances before us when the time comes.”

The fair plans and preparation include booking an entertainment headliner -- Jake Hoot. He is the winner of Season 17 of the American talent competition “The Voice” in 2019. 

For those unfamiliar with the TV show, Kelly Clarkson was the sole chair turn for the country music singer during the blind auditions. That means she selected him to advance. Hoot went on to claim the top prize – a recording contract with Universal Music Group and $100,000. 

Drew Green will return as the opening act after filling that role last year. He co-wrote the song “Colorado.”