The 2020 Washington County Fair begins next week, but it will have limited attendance due to COVID-19. The fair kicks off with the annual queen pageant on Sunday evening.

Organizer Heather Marek says it took some time to decide how best to hold this year’s show, “It’s such a staple of the fair. You know, we’re trying to do everything else for the 4-Hers as well with their livestock exhibits and static exhibits. And we kind of left it up to the contestants to see if they’re still interested. Normally the queen gets to go on to the state fair competition which obviously will not be happening this year. So, that is something that they have to forgo. But we did a vote, we talked about the different options available, if they still wanted to do it, and they all agreed that it’s important for the fair, they wanted to give it a try. They’re all welcome to try again next year, minus the queen.”

To better social distance, the queen contest will be held at the Washington Auditorium and attendance is limited to only family members of the contestants. The livestock shows and the queen contest will be livestreamed online for people to view remotely. KCII Radio will also be bringing you fair results on air and online.