CUTLINE FOR BIG PIC: DeKalb County’s annual fair has been postponed due to the pandemic.
DeKalb County Fair postponed due to COVID-19
New date to be announced at later time
The 164th edition of the DeKalb County Fair, the Grandpa Fair of the South, which was to take place July 13-18, 2020 has been postponed until a later date in accordance with the latest guidelines pertaining to attractions and large venues by the Tennessee Economic Recovery Group.
“It is with sadness the DeKalb County Fair Association Board of Directors has had to make the decision to postpone this year's fair but it is in the best interest of the public due to the Covid 19 pandemic,” said members of the DeKalb County Fair Association in a statement released Monday, June 1.
Although large, non-contact attractions and venues including concert and performance venues, amusement and water parks, auditoriums, theaters and dinner theaters, zoos, large museums and more can reopen safely under new Tennessee Pledge guidelines, strong measures are recommended to protect the public, including screening of event workers and patrons, creating plans for managing guest flow, and limiting capacity to ensure separation between small groups.
“The overall goal of this board is to stay in compliance with the governor’s orders, protect our community, volunteers, fair visitors, and to reduce exposure to individuals and surfaces that may result in the spread of Covid 19. The social distancing guidelines of 6 feet apart would be impossible to follow as a fair visitor. The board was also uncomfortable soliciting sponsors for the fair at this time due to the hardship many businesses have encountered,” the statement continued.
“We appreciate the support our friends and neighbors have shown the DeKalb County Fair down through the years and hope the community understands the reasons for this decision”.
Although plans are to have the DeKalb County Fair later in the year, no specific date has been set.
“The new fair date is to be determined by the board as information and guidelines are made available by the State of Tennessee,” the statement concluded.
