Overton Fair Decision Next Week

The Overton County Fair Board still has not made a decision on whether or not they will hold their fair.

The fair in Livingston is scheduled for July 16-26. Treasurer Donita Wilson said they are waiting to last possible moment to make a decision.

“Everything’s still kind of up in the air, and we haven’t received any more guidance,” Wilson said. “What we’ve got from the governor ends June 30, so we’re trying to give it every chance that we can. We are waiting to absolutely the very last minute to make a decision, and we’re hoping for the best.”

Wilson said the Fair Board will meet June 15 to make their decision. She said they are not taking the decision lightly.

“We’re going to take everything into consideration,” Wilson said. “Of course, the safety of everybody and the well-being of everybody comes first. But we’re looking at that and if we could do what the guidelines say we’re going to have to do, which seem to change frequently.”

Since a lot of planning goes into organizing the fair, Wilson said there will be noticeable changes even if a fair can be held.

“We can’t really do anything until we make a decision,” Wilson said. “You have to get ready for entries. You have to get ready for the events. And you have to make sure everybody is online with the volunteers on what they are going to be able to do this year. It’s going to be tough. If we try to have it, it’s going to be a very rushed month.”

Wilson said the fair planners may have to look at scaling back some events. She said that would be one way to relieve some of their stress.

“Some of the events we will have to look at really hard to see if we are even going to have them,” Wilson said. “For instance, Senior Day, Kid’s Day, Special Needs Day, those are very at-risk groups. We would not, in any way, shape, or form, want to harm anybody. So, we would look at scaling those backs, which is really disappointing because those are some of our best days. But it would help as far as planning.”

Wilson said it will be disappointing if the fair has to be cancelled. She said it is the largest county event and is a way for residents and businesses to come together to show the community what they have to offer.