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Board cancels Jackson County Fair; pools remain murky

RIPLEY — As the state is beginning to reopen, Jackson County had to cancel a few major summer events and debate whether to open pools.

The Jackson County Junior Fair Board has decided to cancel the 2020 fair.

“The decision was made with the safety of our youth and our community in mind during these trying times, as well as the financial future of fairs to come. It was a decision that was not taken lightly, as we know that the fair is a major event for our youth, their families, and our community,” the fair board said in a statement.

To still exhibit livestock and horses, the plan is to allow those exhibitions as guidelines allow.

“We appreciate your patience as these decisions and announcements on the possible shows will be made as things progress and state guidelines and other factors evolve during this pandemic,” the statement said.

The fair board also voted to have all 2020 Future Farmers of America seniors able to sell at the 2021 livestock sale.

“Information on 4-H project book collections and exhibit hall projects will be forthcoming from the Extension Office,” the statement said.

Another major event that was postponed was the traveling Vietnam Wall, which was supposed to come to Ravenswood next week.

It is now scheduled to be in Ravenswood in May 2021.

Katrena Ramsey, superintendent of the Ravenswood Board of Parks and Recreation, said it would have been a major risk since a majority of people who would visit the wall would be around the age of 70.

“You have to try and protect as many people as we can and keep (the virus) contained,” Ramsey said.

A decision has not been made whether pools in the county will be opened this summer.

Ramsey said the mayors are waiting for guidelines from Gov. Jim Justice and the health department to see how to move forward.

“My concern is the 6 foot distance and crowds of under 24 which would include staff,” Ramsey said. “People aren’t going to be 6 feet away in the water.”

While summer months will be a different experience than ever, Ramsey said it’s a good opportunity to work on projects that normally get pushed to the back burner.

“(We can) use this opportunity to do things to make things better for next year,” Ramsey said.

Candice Black can be reached at cblack@newsandsentinel.com.

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