BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KERO) — Back in May, the Kern County Fair Board of Directors voted to postpone the 2021 fair but that decision was later reversed, and Monday night officials met for the first time since the decision.
The fair is set to begin in the fall, but they're still in the planning process, and still, have decisions that need to be finalized. However, they did mention that they are running into some obstacles.
Board Vice Chairman Ned Dunphy says, "I think we need to have a contingency plan for a 3rd wave. What do we do? Who do we contact? And how do we take it all down?”
Some of these concerns following Covid-19.
Officials say, “This delta variant that's out there! That's one concern I had.”
Kern County Fair board officials said Monday while many vendors, concessions booths, and commercial exhibitors will set up shop for the fair on September 22nd, some would not make a return this year due to concerns around covid.
“If there are concessionaires that are local that feel they don't want to put their people in jeopardy then that is ok, but most are coming back.”
From vendors and the virus, to booking big acts, members also highlighted concerns around the venue’s entertainment. This includes bringing in the traditionally larger acts the fair is known for.
“Everybody moved their dates on top of our and into the fall. All the festivals-everything. So all of the different acts are really impacted. In a typical year it's not a problem."
Fair board members say they are still doing well financially, approving both the May finances and security contracts on Monday night.
Lucas Espericueta says, “The cash balance at the time is at $2,464,000. Cash balance last year was 753,000 and some change. This month we received some additional funding from the CDFA in the amount of $91,000.”
Officials are urged to stay vigilant when it comes to livestock too, as a certain virus continues to attack California rabbits.
“Just make sure we keep current with the rules and guidelines just to make sure that in case there is a true outbreak in our area, that we do cancel the show. But at this time, there's no indication we will cancel the show.”
As far as masks or proof of covid negative tests go to enter events like this, officials say they are working with our local public health department to follow proper guidelines.
