COLUMBIA, Tenn. (WTVF) — The COVID-19 pandemic has forced several events to be canceled this year but it's not stopping Maury County from having their fair. The fair will run from September 1-5. It will happen at the Maury County Fair & Exposition.
The Maury County fair will look a little different this year, you'll see public notice signs posted saying things like keep your distance and that they're not responsible for any exposure to COVID-19.
Maury County Mayor Andy Ogles says he expects to see a record turnout for the county fair this week with folks coming from all over the state. There will be rides, food, live music and monster trucks.
Although the fair is outdoors, organizers are encouraging patrons to wear masks. Currently, Maury County does not have a mask mandate. The mayor is also reminding folks to social distance whenever possible.
"We've doubled the number of gates and we have hand sanitization stations everywhere," said Mayor Ogles, "and those more face-to-face events, we've canceled those but have more of those big tent events if you will and rides for the kid."
Kissel Entertainment, the company that provides the rides and games, shared with us their safety plan. They tell us they will be wiping down the rides and games before each guest uses it. Only people that traveled to the fair together will be sitting together on a ride.
Employees will have to wear masks and take daily temperature checks.
Maury County has just over 1,700 COVID-19 cases.
Due to COVID-19, Kissel Entertainment says they've taken the following steps:
- Cleaning and sanitizing of rides and games – Rides and games are wiped down before each patron boards a ride or plays a game. A dedicated crew walks the midway with backpack sprayers and sanitizes railings and touch points on all midway equipment throughout the day.
- Food Cafes – All food cafes are operated following CDC Covid-19 restaurant rules and guidelines.
- Hand sanitizing stations and handwashing sinks – Located throughout the midway for easy access by both customers and employees.
- Social distancing signage - Signage at queue lines reminding patrons of guidelines and six-foot space marks in the queuing lines.
- Seating riders – Only people that traveled to the fair together will be seated together on a ride. Seats are blocked to provide proper distance between patrons. Parents are encouraged to assist getting their children seated before ride operators engage safety belts.
- Face Masks - All employees will wear masks. Masks are available for guests at the Welcome Center for a nominal fee. Safe spots are located throughout the midway to allow guest to break away and have an area to rest without a mask.
- Daily Health Monitoring – Daily wellness screening, including a temperature check, are given to employees daily.
- One-Way Midways – To foster social distancing one-way signs will be posted on the midway to encourage traffic flow in one direction.
- Online ticket sales – Online wristband sales will be available before the fair opening at a discount and during the fair at regular price to decrease long lines at ticket windows.
- Communications - Employees have the information they need to stay healthy and are told to stay home if they aren't feeling well
