2020 FAQ
2020 EISF FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
WHY DID THE EASTERN IDAHO STATE FAIR (EISF) CANCEL MOST OF THE EVENTS AND ACTIVITIES?
For several months the Eastern Idaho State Fair Board of Directors and Fair Management have been working tirelessly to be able to produce a 2020 Fair this year. The health and safety of all of our exhibitors, fair-goers, vendors, and employees has always been our top priority thru this process. With the steady increase of COVID-19 cases in our area, it was decided to cancel all events except: 4-H Livestock Shows & Sale, Gem State Classic Pro Rodeo, and some of the food concessionaires (list of food concessionaires to follow).
Our priorities leading up to our decision were:
- Maintain the health and safety of our community.
- Provide as much of the true Fair experience that so many fair-goers expect.
- Maintain financial responsibility to the 16 County Fair Districts.
WHAT DATES WILL THE REDUCED FAIR BE?
Friday, September 4, 2020 through Tuesday, September 8, 2020, please go to www.funatthefair.com and go to the DAILY SCHEDULE to get the most up to date times.
WHY WAS THE FAIR NOT MOVED TO LATER IN THE YEAR INSTEAD OF REDUCED?
With so many people involved with the Eastern Idaho State Fair, it would not be possible to find a date later in 2020, that all parties would be able to attend or prepare for. We have many partners that work with us to make our fair a huge success, and each partner is a vital part of producing an award-winning fair.
IT IS ONLY JULY, NO ONE KNOWS WHAT WILL HAPPEN IN SEPTEMBER?
Many of our vendors, exhibitors, entertainers, and even fair-goers take many months or even all year long to prepare to be present at our fair. It was decided that as of July 15, 2020 we were obligated to all parties to provide an answer with a path forward. With the increase of cases in our area in the first two weeks of July, the trend was not in a positive light to continue planning.
DID YOU CONSIDER IMPLEMENTING HEALTH REQUIREMENTS INSTEAD?
For the last several months we have been working on multiple “Health Policy Plans” to take in to consideration all state and local health official guidelines. It was determined that none of the proposed health plans would satisfy all requirements set out at our local level. The Fair has already invested in hand wash and sanitizer units, to be used throughout the fairgrounds. These units will now be used moving forward for 2021.
HOW DO I PURCHASE RODEO TICKETS?
Gem State Classic Pro Rodeo held on Monday, September 7, 2020 and Tuesday, September 8, 2020 will be available at www.funatthefair.com. To hear about sale dates become an EISF VIP Member by going to our website www.funatthefair.com to receive all the latest news. There will only be a limit of 750 tickets sold for each night of rodeo to adhere to strict COVID-19 Social Distancing Guidelines.
WHAT ABOUT VENDORS THAT HAVE ALREADY PAID?
We ask that you go to the VENDOR REFUND REQUEST FORM, complete and return to us either thru mail or the email address listed on the form. You may also choose to have the deposit carried forward for the 2021 Eastern Idaho State Fair, by not contacting us we will automatically carry forward your deposit and reserve your space for 2021. Refunds must be requested in writing prior to August 14, 2020 for processing. (Please note that there will not be a refund of your Winter Storage Fees.)
WHAT DO I DO WITH MY PRE-PURCHASES FAIR TICKETS?
USE THEM: Hold on to your “2020 Holiday Happy Pass” for the 2021 Eastern Idaho State Fair they will be valid for September 3 – September 11, 2021.
WILL THERE BE GATE ADMISSION?
No, with the limited activities and events being held for the 2020 EISF, there will not be a gate admission charge. There will be tickets required for the “Gem State Classic Pro Rodeo” Monday, September 7 and Tuesday, September 8, 2020. Go to www.funatthefair.com to purchase your rodeo tickets. Limited quantities available.
WHAT HAPPENS IF I HAVE ALREADY PAID FOR MY RV SPOT?
We ask that you go to the RV REFUND REQUEST FORM, complete and return to us either thru mail or the email address that is listed on the form. You may also choose to have the deposit carried forward for the 2021 EISF RV Reservations, by not contacting us we will automatically carry forward and reserve your space for 2021. Refunds must be requested in writing prior to August 14, 2020 for processing.
FAIR FOOD – HOW WILL WE GET IT NOW?
FAIR FOOD FIX MAP– we will get you all the “Fair Food Fix” updates of which booths and when they will be here as soon as that information becomes available. Remember only a limited amount of food concessionaires will be participating in this year’s fair.
WILL THEIR STILL BE ATM’S TO BUY FAIR FOOD?
There will be two (2) ATM’s available, by the Security Office located near Gate No. 1 and under the Grandstands at Tunnel Section 4 & 5.
WILL YOU ACCEPT HOME ART ENTRIES THAT ARE MADE THIS YEAR AT THE 2021 FAIR?
The answer is YES, we will remove the exception of having all Open Class Home Art items made in the year 2021 only. Items will be accepted that are made from September 2019 thru August 2021. (Exception for 2021 EISF only)
WILL THE RV PARK CONTINUE TO BE OPEN?
Yes, Fairway RV Park will remain open until October 9, 2020.
WHAT WILL HAPPEN TO THE 4H and FFA COMPETITIONS?
Eastern Idaho State Fair will continue to host the 4H and FFA shows. The 4H committee will be implementing a plan that takes into consideration acceptable social distancing guidelines and policies for this show.
We know that many of our open class competitors have worked all year long to be able to exhibit their animals or items here at our Fair. We feel this disappointment also and will do everything we can to make the 2021 Fair the best ever. Rules will be modified to accept open class home art items made in 2019 and 2020 acceptable to enter for the 2021 EISF.
WILL THE FAIRGROUNDS STILL HAVE WINTER RV STORAGE?
Yes, the EISF will continue to have Winter RV Storage for 2020/2021. RV Storage will be the same as last year, beginning on Columbus Day, October 12, 2020 and continue until buildings are full.
WILL THIS MEAN WE WILL NOT HAVE A 2021 FAIR?
One of the main reasons it was decided to modify the 2020 Fair was to make sure that the EISF can continue to be financially stable. We will be having the 2021 EISF on September 3, 2021 thru September 11, 2021.
WHAT EVENTS HAVE BEEN OFFICIALLY CANCELLED FOR THE 2020 FAIR?
- PARADE
- CARNIVAL RIDES
- COMMERCIAL VENDORS
- CONCERTS
- DEMOLITION DERBY
- BULL RIDING CHAMPIONSHIP
- HORSE RACING
- INDIAN RELAY RACES
- TRACTOR PULLS
- FREE STAGE ENTERTAINMENT
- HOME ART EXHIBITS
- OPEN CLASS LIVESTOCK SHOWS
- MUTTIN BUSTIN
- LIL’ COWPOKE RODEO
- ARM WRESTLING CHAMPIONSHIPS
- BARREL RACING
- TEAM PENNING & BRANDING
- DRAFT HORSE PULLS
- PETTING ZOO
- STOCK DOG COMPETITION
- DEMONSTRATIONS
- TRAM SERVICE
- WHEEL CHAIR RENTAL
- LOST CHILD BOOTH
- TODDLER DRIVING SCHOOL
- MOTHER’S LOUNGE
- SUPER SCIENCE ACTIVITY AREA
- FOOD CONTESTS