Monterey County Fair & Event Center Announces Cancellations and Postponements at the Fairgrounds Due to COVID-19 Emergency

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MONTEREY, CA (April 21, 2020) — The Monterey County Fair & Event Center has announced the postponement or cancellation of events scheduled to occur at the center in the next few months due to the COVID-19 health emergency and the statewide Shelter-in-Place order.

 

The Home and Garden Expo of Monterey, scheduled for April 18-19, 2020; Monterey Bacon Festival, June 13; Monterey International Blues Festival, June 27; and Monterey Scottish Games and Celtic Festival, Aug 1-2; have all been cancelled, with no new dates announced.

 

The Artichoke Festival, scheduled for May 30-31, has been reschedule to Aug. 8-9, 2020; and the California Roots Music & Art Festival (Cali Roots), originally scheduled for Memorial Day weekend, May 22-24, has been rescheduled for Oct. 9-11, 2020.

 

“In light of this COVID-19 health emergency and Shelter-in-Place order, these major events have either cancelled outright or postponed until later in the year for the health and safety of its patrons,” said Kelly Violini, CEO of the Monterey County Fair & Event Center. “We will continue to inform the public on any cancellations or postponements of events at the fairgrounds. Our priority is the health and safety of the public and our employees.”

 

Violini also sent a letter to all 4-H, FFA and youth livestock exhibitors who were concerned about the status of the Monterey County Fair, especially in light of the cancellation of the Salinas Valley Fair.

 

“The Monterey County Fair is committed to supporting our area 4-H and FFA Livestock Exhibitors,” she wrote. “In the event of a cancellation, the Monterey County Fair is prepared to provide a virtual show and sale. We have been researching these options, and will be ready to launch this alternative platform if needed.”

 

Violini said the Fair is monitoring the situation daily with the CA Department of Food & Agriculture, the CDC, the County of Monterey and state health officials. If there continues to be a threat of the COVID-19 virus, there is a real possibility that the Fair could be postponed or cancelled, but more will known in early summer, she said.

 

As of now, Violini said the Fair is still scheduled to take place September 3-7, 2020, and that the entry guidebook is almost completed.  For those who show market beef, they can download the Beef Entry Letter at: https://files.constantcontact.com/70661d98001/11f0d288-4101-4282-bd8a-0b221ea0bde0.pdf

 

“Things are difficult right now, but we will see each other again in the livestock barns,” she wrote. “We will argue over wash racks, we will encounter manure dumpster traffic jams and have to complete stall duty — all those things to look forward to! Keep positive, stay safe and WASH THOSE HANDS!”

 

For more information, contact Violini at (831) 372-8106.

 

About the Monterey County Fair & Event Center

The Monterey County Fair & Event Center is a premier event center set on 22 oak-studded acres with ample parking. It is a state-owned multi-use facility that features four large banquet rooms, two outdoor concert venues, and a variety of outdoor and indoor cost-effective sites ideal for all types of events. It is home of the annual award-winning Monterey County Fair, host to many major and private events on the Central Coast, and the site of the Monterey Bay Race Place, a Satellite Wagering Facility.

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