DAYTON–The 2020 Columbia County Fair is one of only a few county fairs in Washington holding limited face-to-face events, and it kicks, no..."clicks off" this Friday for three days of restricted-participation events which will be live streamed on the Fair's Facebook page.

"The sole purpose of this years' fair is the agricultural exhibition for the youth," a statement from the Fair Board indicated. "It will be unusual indeed and will be done in accordance with the state guidelines."

Under restrictions mandated by Gov. Jay Inslee, the public is not permitted to attend, Fair organizers say, except by arrangement to attend the combination live and online auction on Sunday. All vendors, entertainment, rodeo and demolition derby have been canceled because of COVID-19 rules for public events. Exhibitors showing livestock will be managed to adhere to physical distancing and coronavirus-preventive practices, and only exhibitors, staff and necessary supporting individuals may attend.

Anyone with access to a Facebook account may watch the livestock showing events as they are live streamed. In Facebook, search for Columbia County Fair, then on the "Upcoming Events" panel, click on the event desired and then click on "Discussion." The live feed will then be displayed.

Still-life exhibits by FFA, 4-H and Open Class exhibitors will be accepted, judged and photographed for display on Facebook.

The Livestock Auction has been moved a day later than normal to Sunday, September 13, commencing at 1 p.m. with a live auctioneer and an online-bid system commingled with preregistered buyers. The auction ring will be out of doors and bidders will be separated. To participate, contact Rhonda Barker, 509-520-7409, or Heidi James, 509-629-1901 for bidding access or information.

Livestock showing begins at 9 a.m. on Friday with Beef Showmanship and Market classes, judged together. Also at 9 a.m. is the Swine Showmanship & Market class for 6th-8th Grade exhibitors.

In the afternoon, Swine Showmanship & Market for 3rd-5th Grade showmen begins at 3 p.m. Small Animal Showing will also start at 3 p.m. in a different arena.

Saturday will be a full day, beginning at 9 a.m. with Swine Showmanship & Market for 9th-12th Graders, and Sheep Showmanship & Market classes.

At 12 p.m., the Goats Showmanship & Market Show gets underway.

At 1 p.m., viewers may watch the Swine Championship Market Class Show over the livestream feed.

The younger contestants, 2nd grade and under, go into the ring for Swine Showmanship at 2 p.m.

The Round Robin competition begins at 3 p.m.

On Sunday, September 13, the combination live and online auction gets going at 1 p.m. in the outdoor arena.