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LANCASTER \u2013 Due to continued COVID-19 event venue restrictions, the annual Antelope Valley Fair & Alfalfa Festival<\/strong> has been postponed until 2022, organized announced. The state reopening announcements, which permit theme and amusement parks to reopen in April, do not include large-scale event venues such as the AV Fairgrounds.<\/p>\n The AV Fair & Alfalfa Festival usually takes place in late August and requires logistical planning to begin 12 months in advance of the event dates, according to organizers.<\/p>\n \u201cWe\u2019re 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,” said AV Fair & Event Center President Drew Mercy.\u00a0 “<\/strong>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.\u201d<\/p>\n The annual Kiwanis Jr. Livestock Auction remains scheduled for Thursday, Aug. 26. While this year\u2019s auction will be like a traditional auction, there also will be a hybrid component. There will be both online bidding and in-person options available. Details of the auction are still being finalized.<\/p>\n The AV Fair & Event Center is also planning a \u201cBarntober Fest.\u201d The October festival will include family-friendly traditions of gathering, fair food, carnival rides, exhibits, and more. The 10-day \u201cBarntober Fest\u201d is scheduled for Oct. 8 to Oct. 17, and more details will be announced soon.<\/p>\n