The staff at El Dorado County Fairgrounds are moving ahead with plans for an awesome 2021 Fair. Jody Gray, Fair CEO, has announced the Fair will be held from September 23 – 26^th. The Board and staff decided that June may be too early for large gatherings as the vaccination process is taking longer than hoped. “We expect that by September the majority of the population will be vaccinated, and large gatherings will again be allowed,” shared Gray. “Not only do the fairgrounds need this Fair, but Our Community needs this Fair as a celebration and coming together.”  Additional cleaning and sanitizing protocols are already in place for the September Fair.

This year’s fair will be like our traditional fair held in June, apart from the livestock and market animals. The Junior Livestock Show will take place as usual over Father’s Day weekend, June 18-20, with the Auction on Saturday, June 19^th at 4pm. “We are hopeful to host a live auction and we have an expanded area in Pavilion C, so participants can space themselves out,” stated Gray. “If we can’t have a live auction, we will do a virtual auction like we did in 2020.” “This program is important to our youth; we absolutely will make it work for them,” shared Gray. September fairgoers will still find animals in the barns; options are currently in the works.

We have a commitment from our wonderful carnival, Paul Maurer shows, to return in September, along with Kiwanis planning their famous Wheelbarrow Race on Sunday, September 26. The Jeepers Jamboree groups are hoping to have an Off-Road exhibit that evening. Russell Motorsports Monster Truck Show is scheduled for Friday, Sept 24 and Sept 25 in the grandstands (tickets will be available in advance at PlacervilleSpeedway.com). Those who purchase Presale Tickets for the Monster Truck event can enjoy the Fair for no additional cost.

Our other Fair competition deadlines will change, so that our traditional Still Exhibits will be on display throughout the Fair. With the date changed to September for 2021, we expect the Floriculture building to be bursting at the seams with floral, fruit and vegetable entries.

The Commercial Wine competition will take place mid-June, so fairgoers will be able to check out the winners as well.

When asked about the option of a reduced capacity fair, Gray explained that it would be a disaster for the fairgrounds. “Our costs are the same, but with 25% or even 50% of capacity, we would lose a momentous amount of money. We want to always be here for our community. 2020 was tough; if it weren’t for grants, PPP loans and the generosity of local residents who donated, we wouldn’t be here today, planning Fair for 2021,” Gray stated.

Mark your calendars for September 23-26 for the 2021 Fair. For more information, you can visit the website at eldoradocountyfair.org or call the office at 530-621-5860.