The return of the Kern County Fair is a celebrated occasion for the community, marking a step towards normalcy and the revival of a cherished annual tradition. However, in the current public health landscape, this year's event operates with a comprehensive set of Kern County Fair COVID protocols designed to protect visitors, staff, and vendors. This guide provides a detailed overview of the health and safety measures in place, from entry requirements to sanitation efforts, ensuring all attendees can make informed decisions and enjoy their time at the fairgrounds safely. 
After a period of uncertainty for large-scale public gatherings, organizers have worked diligently with local health officials to create an operational plan that balances fun with fundamental safety. The protocols reflect the latest guidance from both the Kern County Public Health Services Department and the California Department of Public Health (CDPH). The primary goal is to mitigate risk and create an environment where families can once again experience the joy of the midway, the thrill of the rodeo, and the delight of deep-fried treats without undue concern. This requires a partnership between fair management and the public, with every individual playing a role in maintaining a safe setting.
Core Health and Safety Mandates for Fairgrounds Entry
Understanding the entry requirements is the first step for any visitor planning a trip to the fair. These rules are subject to change based on evolving public health conditions, so attendees are always encouraged to check the official Kern County Fair website for the most current information before leaving home. The foundational policies are built around established public health strategies for large events.
Masking Policies and Recommendations
In alignment with state and local guidelines, the Kern County Fair has implemented a clear masking policy. The specifics often depend on the current tier or risk level assigned to the county.
- Indoor Spaces: Face coverings are typically required for all individuals, regardless of vaccination status, in all indoor settings. This includes exhibition halls, indoor vendor booths, restrooms, and any enclosed buildings on the fairgrounds. This measure is critical as transmission risk is significantly higher indoors.
- Outdoor Spaces: While masks may not be universally mandated in outdoor areas, they are strongly recommended, especially in crowded settings where social distancing is difficult to maintain. This includes waiting in line for rides, ordering food, or watching a performance in a packed grandstand.
- Exemptions: Standard exemptions apply for children under the age of two and for individuals with a medical condition that prevents them from wearing a mask.
Signage will be prominently displayed at the entrance to all indoor facilities reminding guests of the mask requirement. Fair staff and security will be on hand to encourage compliance in a friendly and helpful manner.
Social Distancing and Capacity Management
Managing crowd density is another cornerstone of the event safety plan. To prevent bottlenecks and overcrowding, fair organizers have re-evaluated the layout of the grounds. This includes widening walkways in high-traffic areas and reconfiguring queues for rides and food vendors to promote spacing between parties. While specific capacity limits may be enforced depending on health orders, the emphasis is on structural changes that naturally encourage distancing.
Visitors will notice visual cues like floor markers in lines and designated one-way paths in tighter corridors. Furthermore, seating arrangements in food courts and entertainment venues have been adjusted to create more space between groups. "We have a responsibility to our community to produce an event that is not only fun but, more importantly, safe," a fair spokesperson noted in a press release. "These modifications are a direct result of our collaboration with public health experts to reduce potential risks."
Enhanced Sanitation and Hygiene Measures
A visible and robust sanitation strategy is in effect across the entire fairgrounds to minimize the spread of germs. The Kern County Fair has significantly increased its investment in hygiene infrastructure and staffing to maintain a clean environment.
Hand Sanitizer and Washing Stations
Dozens of additional hand sanitizing stations have been deployed throughout the property. These are strategically placed at key locations, including:
- Fair entrances and exits
- Entrances to all buildings and attractions
- Near food and beverage concession areas
- Outside all restroom facilities
- At the entrance and exit of all carnival rides
Frequent Cleaning of High-Touch Surfaces
A dedicated "Clean Team" is tasked with the continuous disinfection of high-touch surfaces. This includes ride safety bars, door handles, counters, benches, tables, and railings. The cleaning crews use EPA-approved disinfectants effective against the virus that causes COVID-19. Restrooms undergo cleaning and disinfection on an accelerated schedule throughout the day. This constant cleaning protocol is one of the most important behind-the-scenes efforts to ensure visitor safety.
A Guide for Fairgoer Responsibility
While organizers have implemented a multi-layered safety strategy, personal responsibility is a crucial component of a successful and healthy event. Every visitor is asked to do their part by following the established Kern County Fair COVID protocols.
Before You Go: The Health Self-Check
The most important step any attendee can take begins at home. All visitors should perform a health self-assessment before heading to the fair. If you or anyone in your party is experiencing symptoms of COVID-19—such as fever, cough, shortness of breath, fatigue, or loss of taste or smell—you should stay home. This also applies to individuals who have recently been in close contact with someone who has tested positive for the virus. By making this simple decision, you protect fellow fairgoers and the community at large.
Navigating the Fairgrounds Safely
Once at the fair, visitors are asked to be mindful of their surroundings and follow all posted guidelines. This includes adhering to mask rules, maintaining a respectful distance from other groups, and following the directional signage. To minimize contact, many vendors now offer contactless payment options like Apple Pay or Google Pay, and using them is highly encouraged. Patience and courtesy go a long way, as staff work to manage lines and enforce protocols for everyone's benefit.
Ultimately, the 2023 Kern County Fair represents a collaborative effort to bring back a beloved Bakersfield institution. By combining comprehensive operational planning with public cooperation, the fair aims to deliver a memorable experience that prioritizes the well-being of every person who walks through its gates. Adherence to these health guidelines ensures that the focus can remain where it belongs: on the prize-winning livestock, the thrilling rides, the unique food, and the creation of new family memories.
