The hotly contested question of whether or not the oldest fair west of the Mississippi will be held this year has been answered — there will be a fair, but it won’t be the fair most are used to attending.
The first Platte County Fair was held for three days in October 1863, and most likely consisted of a large community picnic, livestock and horse showings, according to a statement released this week by the Platte County Fair Board.
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the fair will be greatly modified this year.
Returning to those roots, the 157th Platte County Fair will once again be a 3-day event, featuring 4-H exhibits, and horse and livestock shows.
“Even though there will be no grandstand events or carnival, we are extremely grateful to have a fair this year,” said Rick Hill, president of the Platte County Fair Association. “This will also allow us to maintain the title of the ‘oldest continuously operating fair west of the Mississippi River.’”
The Platte County Fair Association, in conjunction with the Platte County 4-H Clubs and the Platte County Livestock Booster Club will present the following:
A Sheep and Goat Show will be held at the Livestock Pavilion on Friday, July 24. Check-in begins at 8 a.m., sheep show begins at 10 a.m. followed by the goat show.
4-H Exhibits will be on display in the Mack Myers/4-H Building July 24– 26. Public viewing of these exhibits will be 11 a.m. – 1 p.m .and 6 – 8 p.m. on Friday, July 24, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. on Saturday, July 25 and 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. on Sunday, July 26.
Masks will be required in the Mack Myers Building.
The Poultry Show will be held on the lawn east of the Platte Purchase Building on Saturday, July 25. Check-in is at 8 a.m., with the show starting at 9 a.m.
The Swine Show will be held at the Livestock Pavilion Saturday with check-in at 8 a.m., and the show beginning at 10 a.m.
A Rooster Crowing Contest hosted by Yellow Boot Saddlery will be held on Saturday on the lawn east of the Platte Purchase Building after the Poultry Show. This contest is open to all ages, free entry, with the winner receiving a trophy.
The Horse Show will take place at 9 a.m. in the Shackelford Arena on Saturday, July 25.
The Cattle Show will be on Sunday, July 26 at the Livestock Pavilion with check-in at 8 a.m., and show beginning at 10 a.m.
There will be no gate fee for admission to the fairgrounds and no concessions, so plan accordingly.
All fairgoers and participants are encouraged to observe CDC and the Platte County Health Department safety and social distancing guidelines. Masks should be worn in the Mack Myers/4-H Building.