Manatee County Fair Moves Forward In January Despite Pandemic

Bradenton FL

06 January, 2021

10:39 AM

Description

MANATEE COUNTY, FL — As the number of coronavirus cases continues to rise throughout the state — Manatee County included — the Manatee County Fair will go on. The fair will run Jan. 14-24 at the Manatee County Fairgrounds in Palmetto. COVID-19 continues to spread, though. There have been 1.39 million total cases in the state since the pandemic's start. More than 23,000 of these cases have been in Manatee County, which has also seen 437 coronavirus deaths, according to the state's COVID-19 dashboard. As a result, the Manatee River Fair Association has offered new safety guidelines for this year's fair. According to these guidelines, masks are required in all buildings, though not outdoors, "where social distancing can be maintained," according to a statement posted to the fair's website. "We strongly recommend all guests wear a facemask to attend," the MRFA stated. Posted by Manatee County Fair on Tuesday, January 5, 2021 Directional signage has been put in place to encourage social distancing and hand-sanitizing stations will be set up throughout the venue. "Be considerate of others around you and follow social distancing protocols," the MRFA said. "Adherence to the guidelines will assist in our efforts to present a safe and successful fair." The organization added, "COVID-19 exposure is an inherent risk in any public location where people are present. Guests should only attend after evaluating their own health risks. The Manatee River Fair Association cannot guarantee you will not be exposed during your visit." In an October interview with Bradenton Patch, Danny Alfonso, fair manager, said the MRFA had several plans in place at the time. "We have multiple plans in place. There are 11 committees it takes to put on our fair," he said. "All have been challenged to address any and all safety aspects that it takes to put this on safely. The safety of our guests and exhibitors is a vital part of our planning process." There are some changes this year, including the dates of the dog and horse shows, which will take place the weekend before the fair opens. Also, how they organize the livestock will be different, he said. To reduce the number of exhibitors in the barn, there will be only one type of animal shown at a time. This will rotate every three days. Learn more about the Manatee County Fair, including ticketing and a schedule, online here.