The decision — the result of the COVID-19 pandemic — was made Tuesday by the county commission. Legally, it’s being called a postponement, which allows the concerts booked for the grandstand to be moved to 2021.

Plans for a possible community event to replace this year’s fair are being discussed, but no plans are set.

Wednesday fair officials issued information for people who have already made plans or spent money on this year’s fair. Those who have tickets can:

• Request a refund.
• Hold onto the tickets for the concerts in 2021 as they will be valid.
• If tickets are lost before the 2021 concerts, information about them is stored in the county’s ticket purchasing system, and new tickets can be printed.

As for whether ticket sales will continue now through the 2021 fair, Ricci said the fair office will have more information in a few days.

A final concert announcement that did not happen in March due to COVID-19 concerns will be made in the near future. It’s expected to be a rock band.

“The plan is to lock them in as well,” Ricci said by email.

The acts booked so far include the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, Sara Evans, the Eli Young Band, Nelly, Randy Houser, Jo Dee Messina and Hardy.

Camping

For those who planned on camping, there are also choices:

• Request a refund.
• Ask for camping fees to be rolled over to 2021.
• Camp as intended during fair week. The fair office plans to work with the fairgrounds staff to make the transition easier.

Vendors and carnival

With the postponement of the Brown County Fair, each vendor will be given the same flexibility as someone who is camping and can ask for a refund. It’s not now known if any food vendors will chose to be on site this year.

There will be no traditional midway this year, though some kind of carnival could be booked for this year. It wouldn’t be the fair, rather could be part of the community event being discussed.

Other opportunities

Those looking to volunteer or donate tickets or fees can do so, according to a news release from the fair.

There is work being done at the fairgrounds from April to October. Folks interested in volunteer opportunities can call the fair office at 605-626-7116. A place to inquire on the website — thebcfair.com — will be added soon.

Tickets or fees can also be donated, and a form is available at the fair office.

Those interested in joining the Brown County Fair board can call 605-626-7116 or go to fair website.

(visit www.aberdeennews.com)