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Like so many trade shows across the country, the 2020 Mower County Fair has been canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
As the Mower County Fair was one of the last to be canceled, preparations for the 2020 fair in the new COVID era had already begun before it was canceled. Additional hand disinfection stations have been installed, additional hygiene measures have been introduced and disinfection mist machines have been purchased to treat the interior of buildings.
With the additional measures, the Mower County Fair 2021 took place from August 10th to 15th. In a press release released this week, the Mower County Fair said: Show attendees said they love the Mower County Fair loud and clear and looked forward to their return when they responded with a record attendance.
Several of the last few years have had almost 100,000 visitors. In 2021, a record was set at the Mower County Fair with 102,712 visitors.
The increased attendance was reflected in most areas of the fair such as the parking lot, Purple Ribbon Plaza and Carnival, all of which saw an increase in activity and sales over 2019. The companies in the region were also enthusiastic about the return of the fair as more companies supported the fair with sponsorship and support.
The fair began on Tuesday at 5 p.m. with opening ceremonies and the Pride Of Mower Awards in Fair Square.
That night, the Purple Ribbon Plaza saw a rush of local businesspeople at the Austin Area Chamber of Commerce’s After Hours, while Gold Star Amusements kicked off the evening with $ 2 rides. The evening ended with the popular fireworks display.
With almost no events going on in 2020, many grocery sellers have been unemployed all of last year. This year, vendors and carnival companies have struggled to find enough staff to run, and most have spent the summer doing their best to cope with the staff shortage. Even so, most began the recovery path in 2021, with sales increasing compared to 2019 and other recent years. The Mower County Fair was described by most as a very successful event for them and they appreciated the support from the fair’s goers.
Grandstand events were well attended, bull riding and the demolition derby continued to lead. Every year, the trade fair board has to find creative ways to safely attract more spectators. 2021 saw record numbers at both events. Like the food vendors, the organizers of these events were inactive in 2020 and were therefore very grateful for the support from fans and trade fair visitors.
4-H and FFA youth returned to the fair to show their livestock and non-animal projects. Overall, the open animal shows also recorded a slight increase in participation. The ceremony and reception in the Livestock Hall of Fame were well attended.
Despite personnel and material difficulties and the economic setbacks in 2020, there were some new commercial stand exhibitors in the Plager building as well as the return of some long-standing exhibitors. In addition, there were several outdoor exhibitors offering goods, services and information to the public.
Hard work by the trade fair board and employees, volunteers, exhibitors, sellers and participants as well as perfect weather lead to a great week and a record number of visitors. The trade fair board would like to thank the staff, volunteers and sponsors and especially everyone who supported the Mower County Fair 2021, so that it becomes the great success it was. The Mower County Fair 2022 takes place August 9-14.
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