It has been a difficult time in the world and in our community, and difficult decisions have been made. One such decision is the cancellation of the 2020 Uintah County Fair. Uintah County made the announcement on Monday stating that the decision was made for several reasons. First, it is based on the need to abide by the governor’s order on mass gatherings. Another factor was direct input from the community, gathered informally by Derk Hatch, the general manager for Western Park, the Uintah Conference Center and the Buckskin Hills Complex. He explained, “I spoke with people in 41 vehicles during the Cruisin’ events and asked if they would feel comfortable sitting side-by-side with other people at a large event or gathering. I only had people in five vehicles say they would feel OK doing that right now.” There were several other factors that came into play in making this choice but that doesn’t mean that everything will be abandoned. Events that meet the requirements for smaller gatherings and crowds are being looked at so that they could still be held. Such events include Uintah Basin Stock Show, the Dino-Mite Classic Jackpot Show, the Outlaw Trail Theatre production and the rodeos. “It’s hard to not have the Fair this year,” shared Hatch, “but this is the safest, most prudent action we can take to keep the public safe and wisely save tax dollars.” The hope is that easing restrictions will allow the events scheduled in later June, July and the rest of the year to go forward. The facilities are anticipating things will get rolling quickly once the regulations ease because of the hundreds of cancellations and postponements.
