The Colusa Farm Show returns next week for its 56th running.
The Colusa County Fairgrounds will be open for the three-day trade show, beginning Tuesday, Feb. 1, and will run through Thursday.
“This year is looking very much like previous years, with a few adjustments with COVID protection,” said Laura Ford, chief executive officer.
The exposition, hosted each year by the 44th District Agricultural Association, is a one-stop showing of the latest innovations in farming technology, equipment, and services.
The event returns after the cancellation of the 2021 Farm Show after the state banned public gatherings during the early stages of the pandemic.
While the ban is no longer in effect, the California Department of Public Health’s guidance is that people wear face coverings over the mouth and nose while indoors and in public spaces, such as restrooms, concourses, and at food stands.
“Masks will be required for all indoor settings,” Ford said.
Ford said the Fairgrounds was severely affected by the loss of revenue after the CDPH and California Department of Food restricted state facilities from hosting events, from mid-March 2020 to mid-June 2021, including all fairs, trade shows, private events, and festivals.
Ford said she hopes the community will do their part in complying with restrictions that could help get the virus under control so the rug is not pulled out from under them once again.
“We are treading water and searching for our life raft,” Ford said. “The opportunity is definitely welcomed, and we will follow every rule and requirement put in front of us.”
Farm Show Committee President Joe Steidlmayer and committee members Terry Bressler, Sue Gibbs, Gina Moresco, John Louden, Monica Huey, Mitchel Yerxa, Elizabeth Harper, Patti Turner, Zach Urriuta, Chris Greer, and Bill Rhode have been working for months to provide a Farm Show that will be familiar to all who returns.
The Farm Show has a 95 percent return of the 2020 vendors who participated. Visitors can expect 150 indoor vendors and 250 outdoor vendors.
Junior Fair Board members Justin Lee, Karina Gonzalez, Jack Ehrke, Abby Myers, Shane Danley, Paige Vierra, Holley Hickel, Madison Pearson, Sydnee Wilson, Karsyn Gwinnup, Audree Wills, Janet Gonzalez, Kallie Stassi, Jordyn Stephens, and Katie Washburn will be on the fairgrounds throughout the Colusa Farm Show to assist vendors with questions and support staff at the Fairgrounds office.
“This is a great opportunity for our junior and senior high school members to meet professionals in the industry and learn about the agricultural industry and the technology that helps farmers, growers, and ranchers,” Ford said.
The fairgrounds will be open to Farm Show visitors from 9 AM to 5 PM all three days of the event. Food from a variety of vendors will be available for purchase. ■