Organizers of the livestock shows that would normally be the center of the Warren County Fair have set dates and ground rules to host modified shows at the end of June.

Plans for the events, in which local 4-H and FFA youth display animals from rabbits to cows and more, were cast into doubt after the county fair was canceled in April. But organizers said they were committed to having the shows in some form.

“We’re going to try to keep the shows as close to the same as we can, but as far as the amount of people and times, we’re trying to make changes,” said livestock committee co-coordinator Steve Molitor.

In-person livestock shows will be held on two days, June 29 and 30, at the Warren County Fairgrounds.

To preserve the health of exhibitors and staff, changes have been made to reduce the number of people present in the livestock pavilion at a time. Breeding stock shows for most species have been canceled to reduce the amount of time individuals are at the fairgrounds, the livestock committee announced.

Also, rather than penning and caring for their animals for multiple days at the livestock pavilion, exhibitors will bring their animals the day of their show, then leave with them immediately after the show. Exhibitors will also be required to perform the majority of grooming and caretaking of animals before they arrive for the show, rather than on-site.

Because there is no income from county fair attendance, award premiums won’t be available for show winners this year, the livestock committee said.

Exhibitors will be asked to remain 6 feet distant from one another, and will be allowed to wear mask and gloves if they choose as precautions against COVID-19. Spectators will be asked to bring their own seating, as no bleachers will be provided.

“It’s been a whirlwind, for the last couple weeks, trying to put this together and make everyone happy,” Molitor commented. “The most important thing is to give the kids a chance to show their animals.”

The most visible change from years past will be the handling of this year’s annual livestock auction. Normally the culmination of the livestock shows each year, the auction draws hundreds of people who come to support the young exhibitors.

Concerns about maintaining healthy distancing have pushed this year’s auction to an online format, Molitor said.

“There’s no feasible way to do a live auction with that many people in one area,” he explained. “I think we’ll still get plenty of support with the online auction. The community always steps up to support these kids.”

The auction will take place over six days, from June 27 to July 2. Exhibitors who choose not to show their animals due to COVID-19 concerns will still be able to sell them in the auction, the livestock committee said. Each exhibitors will only be able to sell one animal.

More information about registering and participating in the livestock auction can be found on the Warren County Livestock Committee Facebook page.