Due to the continued COVID-19 event venue restrictions, the annual 2021 Antelope Valley (AV) Fair & Alfalfa Festival will be postponed until 2022. The recent state reopening announcements, which include permitting California Theme and Amusement Parks to reopen on April 1, under updated guidelines from the state’s health department, do not include large-scale event venues such as the AV Fairgrounds.

Traditionally the AV Fair & Alfalfa Festival takes place in late August and requires logistical planning to begin 12 months in advance of the event dates. With no firm commitment from the State or Los Angeles County on opening up large-scale attendance events, being able to host a 10-day Fair with a potential daily attendance of 20,000 people on any given day by August, the decision to postpone the 2021 Fair and to focus fair planning on the 2022 event is the only choice at this time.

An important and beloved component of the AV Fair & Alfalfa Festival is the Annual Kiwanis Jr. Livestock Auction. The auction is scheduled to take place this year on Thursday, Aug. 26. While this year’s auction will be like a traditional auction, there will be a hybrid component. There will be both online bidding and in-person options available. Details of the auction are being finalized and will be shared as more information becomes available.

The AV Fair & Event Center leadership, staff, and various committee members are also currently planning a “Barntober Fest.” The October festival will include family-friendly traditions of gathering, fabulous fair food, iconic carnival rides, select exhibits, and more. Dates of the 10-day “Barntober Fest” are set for Oct. 8–17. Details of the festival will be announced soon.

According to AV Fair & Event Center President, Drew Mercy, “We’re encouraged that the State and County are beginning to open up. However, not having the green light for large-scale events to resume, including not knowing the attendance restrictions and other guidelines, coupled with having over a year and a half of in-venue cancellations, it is simply not realistic to plan a traditional Fair this year. As disappointing as this news is, the Fair teams are in the throes of planning for both a fabulous October festival and the Annual Kiwanis Jr. Livestock Auction. I am confident that both the Auction and the ‘Barntober Fest’ will delight attendees, vendors and sponsors alike.”

The leadership, staff and committee members are planning ways that the community will be able to share some of their favorite family friendly traditions of gathering, indulging in fabulous fair food, riding iconic carnival rides, exhibits, and more.

Be sure to follow AV Fair & Event Center on social media for updates and announcements.