Phase 4 doesn’t change fair’s cancellation

    With last week’s announcement that the Southwest Nebraska Public Health Department district was moving to Phase 4 Aug. 1, there was speculation some of the Chase County Fair events could still go forward.
    On July 16, the board voted unanimously to cancel the fair due to COVID-19 concerns and required health directives.
    Board members met again last Thursday to discuss the loosening of the health directives.
    While it may have been possible to hold some arena events, board members confirmed their vote to cancel all fair activities this year.
    The board agreed to make the arena facilities available if any private parties wanted to hold events during what would have been fair week.
    A privately sponsored ranch rodeo has been set for Friday night, Aug. 14. For entry information, contact Brock Stromberger at 308-883-6900 or Preston Smith at 308-883-8330.
Phase 4 considerations
    Despite the Phase 4 declaration, board members felt with the loss of the expo, carnival and concerts, holding a few events could send the wrong message to fair sponsors and supporters.
    In addition, any event drawing 500 or more people must still have a health plan approved by the health district.
    Even if the concerts could have been rescheduled, Health District Director Myra Stoney indicated they would not have approved a plan that included beer sales and standing in front of the stage.
    Prior to the fair’s cancellation, she said they outlined the conditions under which concerts could be held, which included table and bleacher seating and no beer sales. It was the board’s decision they couldn’t meet those conditions, she added.
    Even in Phase 4, she urged people to continue social distancing, frequent hand washing and use of hand sanitizer. She also encouraged use of masks when appropriate, such as shopping in busy stores and in large gatherings.