ERIN – While some local fall fairs have opted for a fully online shift, this year’s Erin Fair is moving ahead Thanksgiving weekend.
It’s not a simple task planning for what is likely the region’s largest in-person fair this year but it’s something Erin Agricultural Society president Brenda Lothmann is happy to be able to do for the community.
“I know we’re staying apart while we’re gathering, but to get people out and about and back to somewhat of a sense of what we’re used to and we really enjoy providing the fair so it’s nice for us to be there again,” Lothmann said, referring to the fair’s cancellation last year.
The timeline was tight to plan this year’s fair. Lothmann said they’d normally be working on it for a full year but uncertainty around the event meant they didn’t know it could go forward officially until the summer.
It won’t quite be the same as some events are cancelled or moved.
“We’ve made adjustments to things where we can,” Lothmann said.
For example, the homecraft exhibit is displayed online instead of the main hall — which itself is not open at all to the public — and some animal shows aren’t going forward either.
Visitors can also expect standard public health measures to apply, nothing people aren’t familiar with at this point, such as masks, sanitizing and social distancing.
The door will be electronic payment only so buying tickets online is encouraged.
There is a capacity but Lothmann did not disclose what that was because “it could change tomorrow.” However, the fairgrounds are large enough to give a capacity limit where this should not be a regular issue throughout the weekend.
The midway will be there with rides and games, vendors will be in attendance and live music will play at the festival gardens.
With the known economic impact fall fairs are known to have on small towns, Lothmann said she hopes visitors drive some business to the town.
“Hopefully when people are here for the fair, they’re also visiting our downtown vendors or downtown stores as well,” Lothmann said.
“I would hope that people are also visiting what else the Village of Erin has to offer while they’re there.”
Lothmann asked visitors to be kind to those who have volunteered to be a part of the fall fair.
“I know things are different and I know we had to adjust but please be appreciative of what there is to offer and be kind to people. We’re all trying our best,” Lothmann said.
The Erin Fall Fair runs Oct. 8 to 11 at 184 Main St. in the village core.
Tickets can be purchased in advance here.
