This year's fair will incorporate a hybrid method, including regular and drive-thru activities. | Pixabay
This year's fair will incorporate a hybrid method, including regular and drive-thru activities. | Pixabay
The Sonoma-Marin Fair recently announced that it will be returning this year using a hybrid approach for visitors to attend the fair.
Last year, the fair was held completely virtually. This fair announced that this year, that it is using a hybrid approach to remain fluid during a time of uncertainty.
"This year the world is a bit brighter,” said Allison Keaney, CEO of the fair, in a statement. "Our mission is the same, but we are working on plans to bring exhibits back in front of judges, for more thorough evaluation and a better experience for the exhibitor. There is no 'blueprint' for this type of activity, so we are working closely with the County of Sonoma on our exhibits plan."
Plans are tentatively laid out for livestock and exhibit events to take place between Saturday, June 19 through Sunday, June 27 and four weekends of Drive-Thru Fair Food in May through June. The fair is also working on having an exhibits program. Event planning has been created to comply with local health guidelines.
“Right now we’re building on what is part of the agricultural guidelines, but California Department of Health is working on those guidelines and I understand that we should have those in about a month,” Keaney said, according to KSRO News. “When we do, then we’ll be able to kind of reevaluate and see what’s possible.”
The fair also announced that premiums and case awards have been removed from the fair's guidebook since the fair cannot cover the costs of cash awards and prizes without the support of ticket revenue.
"Visits to the Fairgrounds this year have been mostly enjoyed from our vehicles,” Keaney said. "Now in 2021 we have the map, the weather is clearing, and we are able to read the road signs much better."
After the fair, drive-in movie events will be held along with a possible drive-in concert.
The Sonoma-Marin Fair promotes the diverse agricultural talents, interests and accomplishments of the residents of California.
It works to preserve California’s agricultural heritage by providing education, entertainment and recreational opportunities to the public.
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