When the announcement was made to cancel the 4-H and FFA portions of the 2020 Webster County Fair, a group of livestock superintendents decided to not take the news lying down and to work together to give the livestock youth of Webster County a chance to still showcase their animals.

Livestock superintendents for the sheep, goat, swine and beef shows are planning to proceed with their scheduled events.

The Webster County Livestock Showcase is hosted by the Webster County Ag Association and will begin today with the sheep taking to the ring in the morning, followed by the goat show and the swine show that evening. The beef show will be held Friday.

Heather Stewart, a Webster County Fair Board member; Webster County Fair planning committee member and goat project superintendent leader, said it was very upsetting when she heard the 4-H and FFA judging events were cancelled.

“I cried,” she said. “I said this is not happening. These kids have spent a lot of time and effort. It’s all about the kids.”

Stewart said she began calling other livestock superintendents and is thrilled with everyone who is willing to help out to give the youth the opportunity to show their animals.

They are not taking the threat of COVID-19 lightly, however.

Stewart said they are taking very high precautions to ensure the safety of the exhibitors, their families and volunteers.

They will be sanitizing in between shows and have made hand sanitizer available throughout the fairgrounds.

To help eliminate large crowds, the shows are limited to families and the exhibitors.

Stewart is encouraging people to practice social distancing. She reminds folks these shows are not mandatory.

“If you do not feel comfortable, do not come. We understand. We are not holding anything against anyone,” she said. “We are saying if you would like to come and show off your animal, you are more than welcome to.”

Although the public is not invited to attend the livestock shows, they are more than welcome to attend the nighttime activities.

Stewart said they are considering it more of a “four-day festival” versus the Webster County Fair. These activities are being held in an attempt to help raise money with plans for reconstructing the grandstand area.

A movie night and Figure 8 races were held Wednesday evening.

Today is the Endurocross Motorcycle Challenge at 7 p.m.

Friday is a pork dinner at 3 p.m. in the Tractor Club Area; and Tough Truck and SXC Races in the Grandstand at 7 p.m. Also at 7 p.m. will be a Robby Vee concert with fireworks scheduled for 10 p.m.

Saturday, there is an antique tractor pull at 1 p.m.; the Jaeschke Semi Truck show from 2 to 5 p.m. with an open truck pull at 7 p.m. Saucy Jack will take the stage at 9 p.m. with a free show on the north lawn of the fairgrounds.