David Fleet
Editor
The last time the Oakland County Fair was cancelled was 1940 following the outbreak of World War II. The fair returned in 1945.
Seventy-years later fair officials remain optimistic the 2020 Fair set for the Springfield Oaks County Park in Davisburg July 10-19 will go on in some fashion.
Groveland Township resident and Oakland County Fair General Manager LC Scramlin said a finial deicison is expected in early June regarding this years fair. In 2019, Scramilin was inducted in to the National 4-H Hall of Fame for his lifetime achievements and contributions to 4-H.
“We are going to have a fair,” said Scramlin. “It may not be the same as in the past, but we have a new platform and we are not going to deny this kids.”

Each year about 500-600 youth from 9-19 years old from Oakland, Lapeer, Genesee and Livingston counties exhibit more than 6,000 projects ranging from livestock to cooking to crafts.
“Our mission is to showcase our youth and their accomplishments,” he said. “The true foundation of 4-H is the youth of the community.”
Scramlin and the fair board are still considering a few options for the 2020 fair.
“The traditional fair is not going to happen,” he said. “Grandstand events such as monster trucks, rodeo and demolition derbies will not work. However, the carnival providers are currently working in Florida with safety measures for employees and customers. That’s possible.”
For the youth events, contestants may arrive with the animals at staggered times and judges may evaluate them. Then to sale after that time. Many of the large animals go to market after the fair, some are kept for breeding.
“We could then do the judging online if we had to,” he said. “However, we are more inclined to allow some interaction with the judges. But we will just have to see what new orders are in effect.”