The Walworth County Fair seems to be one of the few major events that is still scheduled for this summer, September 2-7. The Fair Board applied with the City of Elkhorn for a temporary Class “B” Beer and “Class B” Wine License, indicating that this unprecedented step was necessary due to many events at the fairgrounds having been canceled this year, as well as fair attendance being expected to be down, both due to the COVID-19 virus. The fair has prided itself on being alcohol-free for 170 years.

The Elkhorn City Council denied the permit at its meeting on June 15. However, the matter was reconsidered at a special Council meeting on June 22, with the alcohol permit application being the only item on the agenda. Per The Gazette, the permit was approved on a 4-2 vote, with the restriction that sales are limited to 4:00-9:30 p.m., and the beverages can be consumed only in the horse track and grandstand areas. Five members of the public spoke in favor of the permit, while eleven people spoke in opposition.

For the article in The Gazette, click here.