COVID concerns cancel 2020 Benton Franklin Fair & Rodeo for first time in 72 years
The Benton Franklin Fair & Horse Heaven Round-Up is the latest event to fall victim to the coronavirus pandemic.
The fair association announced Thursday morning that despite attempts to keep the annual August events on track, the obstacles and state restrictions surrounding COVID-19 have proved too difficult to move forward.
“We are frustrated, disappointed and heartbroken. But in the end, we had no choice.” said the fair’s executive director Lori Lancaster.
This year’s fair would have marked the event’s 72nd year.
It is one of the Northwest’s biggest fairs and the rodeo is ranked No. 21 in the nation by the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association.
The week’s events attract nearly 120,000 people each year, and a 2019 study showed the economic impact of the event was $18.5 million in Benton County alone, Duane Howard, president of the Benton Franklin Fair & Rodeo board of directors told the Herald earlier this year.
Part of that comes from animal auctions.
Last year, about 500 animals were sold resulting in $1.12 million in sales for large animal — sheep, goats, pigs and cattle. The rabbit and feather auction brought in an additional $21,000.
“Last year we had a record-breaking sale,” Lancaster said.
She said that a lot more information will be coming as plans are developed for a continued auction.
“We will have an auction one way or another,” she said. “We are committed to handling the transactions.”
Lancaster said that with moving targets related to the coronavirus and logistics and laws involving the livestock, it is impossible to say what auctions will look like at this point.
However, the fair has purchased software in the event a virtual auction will be held, and the fair board is in talks with the Department of Agriculture and will meet with the governor’s office next week to review options for live youth auctions across Washington.
For those who do want to continue to support the children in the programs, she said people can sign up through the Facebook page to be a virtual bidder. The market stock committee plans on offering education on animals and how to be a buyer.
Information about refunds and rollovers for tickets to both the fair and rodeo, as well as the concert series, will be coming in the next couple of weeks, Lancaster said.
She said there are a lot of details to work through — such as contracts with entertainers — and the fair will be communicating with ticket holders as soon as possible.
Country singer Trace Adkins and rapper Nelly were among the entertainers scheduled to appear this year. Lancaster said the fair is working toward rebooking the same entertainment lineup for next year.
“It is exceptionally challenging and difficult for volunteers to not have the fair for the first time in 72 years,” Lancaster said. “We are asking people to have patience until we figure out how we are going to get it handled.”
Online: bentonfranklinfair.com; Facebook page
This story was originally published June 11, 2020 at 9:50 AM.