With guidance from Coconino County Health and Human Services (CCHHS) and consideration of the latest recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) on outdoor activities and large events, Coconino County Parks & Recreation will produce the 72nd annual Coconino County Fair as an in-person event this Labor Day weekend, September 3 – September 6, 2021. Last year’s Fair was modified to an all-virtual event due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The decision to move to an in-person event was done thoughtfully with the greatest consideration for COVID-19 safety protocols, the County’s community transmission levels, and CDC recommendations. While vaccinated people are not required to wear a face mask, unvaccinated people will be asked to mask at the County Fair, especially while indoors. Extra hand sanitizing stations will be provided around the Fairgrounds and in each of the buildings. Guests will be encouraged to socially distance while at the Fair, and staff recommends attendees purchase their tickets online to avoid standing in admission lines.
Barring significant changes in COVID-19 transmission levels in the County or guidance from CCHHS, the Arizona Department of Health Services, or the CDC, the Coconino County Fair will feature in-person exhibits and livestock shows, the Northern Arizona Junior Livestock Association Auction, a carnival with amusement rides, a beer garden, fair food, commercial vendors, and live entertainment.
“We are excited to host the annual Coconino County Fair this year in-person and welcome visitors back to the fairgrounds,” said Ricky Conway, Fair Manager. “Last year was tough for so many individuals and a difficult time for events, and while we are grateful to have been able to produce an all-virtual Fair, we are thrilled to bring the community together once again in-person. The Fair facilitates so much, from youth development with the 4-H program, to showcasing our community’s talents through their entries and exhibits, to fun live music, and memorable fair food and carnival rides. It’s exciting to be back.”
“We appreciate Parks & Recreation’s care and consideration for planning a fun and engaging event, but most importantly, a safe one. With our COVID-19 cases falling and our vaccination rates rising, Coconino County Health and Human Services supports holding the fair in-person with attention to safety protocols,” said Kim Musselman, Director of Health and Human Services.
The Coconino County Fair is generally held every year over the Labor Day weekend at Fort Tuthill County Park with over 40,000 people attending the event, making it the largest event in Northern Arizona.