2020 Tulelake-Butte Valley Fair canceled due to COVID-19 restrictions

File photo, 2017 Tulelake-Butte Valley Fair (Image: Brian Gailey)

TULELAKE, Calif. - During a special meeting held on June 24, 2020, the Tulelake-Butte Valley Fair Board of Directors voted unanimously to restructure the 2020 Tulelake-Butte Valley Fair in order to comply with current and projected social distancing and mass gathering directives from the CDC, State of California and Siskiyou County Health Department. This difficult decision was made after months of thoughtful deliberation by the Board, careful discussion with community and industry partners and closely following directives issued by national, state and local agencies.

The current plan for reopening California makes it impossible to economically and operationally host a traditional fair which would be enjoyed by our valued patrons and community members. The Tulelake-Butte Valley Fair’s beloved carnival, food concessions, commercial vendors, entertainment, grandstand events, still exhibits, open livestock show and other public aspects have been cancelled for 2020.

The 2020 Fair will be reduced to a junior livestock market animal evaluation and grading followed by a livestock auction. This will provide local community members the opportunity to support the 4-H, FFA and Independent Market Exhibitors who have invested their time, money and hope in quality livestock projects. These events will not be open to the general public and will follow all applicable social distancing guidelines. Due to the fluidity of the current situation, the details and schedules will be communicated directly with club leaders, advisors and exhibitors as they are confirmed.

Moving forward, the Tulelake-Butte Valley Fair Board of Directors and Staff is dedicated to using its facilities and resources to support and serve the surrounding areas to the best of its abilities. Currently, the fairgrounds staff is preparing to host a Drive-In Fireworks display on the 4th of July and exploring the possibility of hosting other events that meet the essential needs of the local communities.

The Tulelake-Butte Valley Fair Board of Directors wishes to express their sincere disappointment with the state of affairs which have forced the cancellation of our timehonored traditions. The public shutdown of fairs and festivals throughout California has led to heartbreak and devastation for the countless communities, businesses, agricultural operations, exhibitors and nonprofit groups reliant on the income and exposure provided by public events.

The Board is grateful to our local communities for their support and looks forward to celebrating with everyone again at the annual Tulelake-Butte Valley Fair, September 9-12, 2021. Until then, stay healthy, stay safe and stay positive as we move towards a brighter future together.

For more information contact the fair office at (530) 667-5312 or nancy@tbvfair.com.

Source: Tulelake - Butte Valley Fair