SMITHFIELD – Ray Hilderbrand is resigned to the fact that this year’s Jefferson County Fair will be different than fairs held in the past.

“It’s not the fair we were hoping for, but maybe next year it will be better,” said Hilderbrand, president of the Jefferson County Agricultural Society. “But other counties around here are having the same problems.”

There will be no rides, no midway and no food stands, according to Hilderbrand, who said there will be food offered at the former food building.

According to Gov. Mike DeWine’s guidelines, there are to be no animals other than the 4-H- and FFA-raised market animals for the annual livestock sale that will be held on Aug. 27. Those with 4-H horses will not be included in the regular Aug. 23-28 fair, but there will likely be a horse show at a later time. Dairy cattle will not be included in the regular fair either.

Those who want to camp with their children who are 4-H members will be able to bring in their own trailers through the week.

“There have been some folks who have called about making donations for the fair as there will be no gate fee, but nothing has been determined at present. It could be ironed out after a meeting in Monroe County, where Noble and Tuscarawas counties will be included to talk about plans,” Hilderbrand explained.

John Ackerman, district representative, will conduct the meeting.

“We will be bouncing ideas off each other to see if we can give a good fair to the kids,” Hilderbrand said.