After much discussion during the past three months, the board of directors of the Berrien County Youth Fair has decided to postpone the 75th anniversary youth fair to Aug. 16-21, 2021. However, the board and volunteers are planning a showcase and exhibition for the youth this summer. Slated for Aug. 15-23, the "Berrien County Showcase—Where Youth are Essential," will allow the fair to showcase the exhibits of our county's youth in a different format and still comply with the current executive orders.
The Berrien County 2020 Showcase "Where Youth are Essential" will be open to Berrien County youths between the ages of 5 and 20 as of Jan. 1. Exhibitor eligibility rules will still apply. There will be no premiums paid to the exhibitors, no traditional BCYF ribbons and no trophies. The showcase will not be open to the public. Only exhibitors and their parents/guardians should plan to attend the showcase. There will be a one day showcase for all exhibit areas and there may be multiple department showcases each day. More information, including livestock auction information, will be published as decisions are made.
"Throughout the years, the youth of Berrien County have and always will be the passion of the board of directors and all the volunteers that make the annual BCYF happen," according to a statement from the fair board. "This decision was not made in haste. Many months of discussion and sleepless nights went into this decision that the board feels will ultimately protect the health of our exhibitors and fairgoers. Thinking outside the box and coming up with workable and safe solutions has be board's decision making process.