SUMMIT COUNTY, Ohio — Organizers of the Summit County Fair announced Friday the 2021 edition of the fair will be held July 27 through August 1. Summit County is among a number of county fairs in the area to announce plans for a summer event.
Like most events, the Summit County Fair will have social distancing guidelines in place.
Summit County Fair manager Cathy Cunningham said the 2021 edition will include a tractor pull, demolition derby, harness racing, motocross and a drag race. There will also be a circus, car show, concert and midway rides.
While Summit County held a 2020 fair, a number of other counties canceled or scaled back their fairs last year due to the coronavirus.
Cuyahoga County canceled its 2020 fair due to the pandemic. Last month, organizers announced that the 2021 Cuyahoga County Fair will be held August 10-15 in Berea.
The Ohio Fair Managers Association advocated to state lawmakers to provide guidance on opening county fairs this year. The state has given the green light for county fairs to operate this summer, but has encouraged fairs to implement social distancing guidelines.
While outdoor events are generally considered safer than indoor gatherings, county fairs came under scrutiny last year after public health officials traced 22 cases to the Pickaway County Fair in Central Ohio.
While county fairs are largely expected to be held this summer, the Ohio State Fair in Columbus won’t be open to the public. Only competitors and animals will be allowed inside.
