Eastern Michigan State Fairboard voted unanimously to change the 2020 Eastern Michigan State Fair into a youth exhibitor only Show and Go Showcase. This new format follows the Phase 2 guidelines Lapeer County is under as set forth by State of Michigan’s Safe Start, and the Governor’s latest Executive Orders.
Following Eastern Michigan State Fair’s mission statement which states “It is our responsibility to keep our youth foremost in our practices and decisions.” The Board was committed to offering youth exhibitors an opportunity to be seen by a judge with their animals. Each species of animals shown at the fair will have a revised schedule and a one-day show during the originally scheduled fair dates of July 28 to August 1 to allow them to participate. Exhibitors will keep their animals in their trailers until it is their time to show. After showing, exhibitors will depart with their animal projects. In addition, the number of in-person supporters and spectators will be extremely limited. Exhibitors will be sent specific information about their shows in July by email.
This means there will be no Carnival, Grandstand Events, Livestock Auction or Fair food at this year’s fair. The barns will not be opened in 2020 for visitors to walk through.
The Fairboard has been in contact with numerous people who serve this community’s health and safety over the past few months including the Lapeer County Health Department, Imlay City Police Department, Lapeer County Sheriff’s Department and Lapeer County Emergency Management. After countless conversations and meetings, we had to put our community’s health and the future of the Eastern Michigan State Fair above what are hearts want to do. Our goal was to have a live and in-person fair with a carnival, grandstand events and all the delicious fair food but with an interview Governor Whitmer did earlier this week we did not see any way of making that happen. With the state mandate numbers a live fair simply is not possible.All Eastern Michigan State Fair exhibiting families are encouraged to visit the fair website at www.easternmichiganstatefair.com, and check their emails often to stay on top of information regarding their livestock exhibits next steps.