GRAND ISLAND- Nebraska State Fair Officials have announced this year’s fair will solely focus on livestock events for youths in 4-H and FFA because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Board members voted to scale down the fair with hopes that a carnival could be added if conditions improve. So far, 4-H exhibits and contests will be held on the first weekend of the fair, which begins August 26,  and FFA activities on the second weekend. Fair Officials say they are still considering a midway carnival but that would only happen if Hall County is in Phase 4 of Governor Pete Ricketts’ reopening plan. Hall County is one of four counties still in Phase 2, although it is scheduled to move to Phase 3 on July 6. All concerts are canceled for this year along with all outdoor activities but officials say that if health measures are pulled back then the Fair Board would look at adding more activities back to the schedule.

Officials also announced the 2020 fair will now be free to the public.