Los Banos Spring Fair 2020 is canceled to prevent coronavirus spread, organizers say
What would have been the 130th Merced County Spring Fair in Los Banos has been canceled due to coronavirus (COVID-19) concerns.
“The last time we missed a fair was, I believe, World War II,” said Fair Manager Jim Clark. “We’re disappointed.”
Scheduled for April 29 through May 3, the annual event draws thousands from around the region.
Clark estimated that at least 1,000 individuals take part in putting the fair together. It offers a space in the community for connectivity, and is especially important to an agricultural county like Merced, he said.
Now, to curtail the COVID-19 pandemic’s rapid spread through social distancing, such hallmark community traditions are forced to shut down.
“It would be irresponsible to not listen to the guidance of the health department,” Clark said. “It’s not even something we’re considering going against, whether mandated or not. We have a responsibility to the public to keep them safe.”
Clark said the fair intends to assist those uprooted by the fair’s sudden closure.
“The kids in our communities work hard throughout the year to enter projects into fair competitions, especially the livestock portion,” said Merced County CEO Jim Brown in a written statement. “They invest time and money to raise an animal in hopes of showing and marketing at the fair’s livestock auction.”
To prevent financial hardship for youth exhibitors, Spring Fair Board members and staff are working to conduct a potential virtual livestock sale in a way that follows the Public Health Department’s guidelines, Brown said in the statement.
Clark urged the community to support each other, especially kids who now have school, sporting events and many other recreational activities canceled.
“When all this blows over, we’re looking to have a festival maybe, but that’s down the road,” Clark said.
With President Donald Trump’s recommendation of limiting gatherings to 10 people, it is unknown when larger events may safely take place, he noted.
This year is Clark’s first as the Spring Fair manager. He said exciting and new things had been planned.
“It was really coming together amazingly,” he said. “I know it’ll come together without a hitch next year.”
Clark stressed patience at this “tough time,” and urged the public to get accurate coronavirus information and resources from the county’s website.
As of Tuesday, March 17, there were no confirmed COVID-19 cases in Merced County. A UC Merced student reported symptoms consistent with the virus Monday, and is awaiting test results while in self quarantine.
This story was originally published March 18, 2020 at 12:08 PM.
