Santa Maria Fairpark officials announce plans for a modified Santa Barbara County Fair this summer, including a portable theme park, virtual livestock auction and show, and dance and bull riding event.
Unidentified saddle bronc rider participates in the 2019 Santa Maria Elks Rodeo. (Dave Alley/KEYT)
SANTA MARIA, Calif. The COVID-19 pandemic is still wreaking havoc on large-scale community events throughout the nation, including in Northern Santa Barbara County.
Just recently, the Santa Maria Elks Rodeo & Parade announced it was moving from its originally scheduled time in early June to a new date on Sept. 2-5.
Elks Recreation said the decision to postpone the event was made after considering event guidelines and capacity restrictions, social distancing requirements and overall concern for the community’s health and safety. With all the distancing guidelines and capacity guidelines, we ve decided to go ahead, the Elks Rec Board of Directors decided to move it to Labor Day weekend with the hopes that we will still be able to get in our rodeo and parade for 2021, said Elks Rodeo & Parade spokesperson Johnna Clark. It s really in our favor that it is and outdoor event, but
Santa Barbara County Fair opens registration for upcoming 2021 Virtual Livestock Auction. (Dave Alley/KEYT)
SANTA MARIA, Calif. The Santa Barbara County Fair is now accepting entries for its 2021 Livestock Auction.
On Thursday, DNA kits for all species first became available for students to pick up at the Santa Maria Fairpark.
Kits are due on various dates for different species, including heifers and beef on March 12, sheep, goats and swine on May 7.
Previously, Fair officials announced the livestock auction will remain in a virtual format, similar to last year due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
There will be no in-person show or auction.