In response to recent provincial restrictions, all Farmfair attendees will have to show proof of full vaccination before entering the event.
It’s either that or offer proof of a medical exemption or a privately acquired COVID test.
The move by event organizer Explore Edmonton is in response to provincial restrictions for indoor events and other gatherings put in place last month.
Exhibitors are faced with the same restrictions but with one difference: Those who have not been fully vaccinated will have the option to receive a rapid COVID test on site. If results are negative, they will be given the go-ahead to participate.
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That offer does not apply to attendees.
The test is good for three days of the show. If they arrive a day early (a common practice among those setting up display areas), they will need a second test if they decide to stay longer, said Farmfair manager Leah Jones, adding the situation remains in flux.
“Things could certainly change between now and Nov. 10 when we’re scheduled to start. We will follow whatever restrictions are issued by the government.”
There will be full refunds if Farmfair has to be cancelled due to further government restrictions or if an exhibitor cannot participate due to a positive COVID test, she said.
“That has given our exhibitors some surety that if they commit and things change that they’re not going to be out of pocket,” she said.
However, Jones doubts the show will be cancelled unless further restrictions affecting Farmfair came down from the government.
Vaccine passports, although generally enjoying wide public support, have become a flashpoint for many people who have chosen not to be vaccinated.
So have these new measures proven disappointing among potential exhibitors and if so, is it enough for them to avoid Farmfair?
“I wouldn’t say ‘disappointment,’” Jones responded. “I would say the information tells us there are people who are vaccinated and people who are not vaccinated. Whenever restrictions come in saying you have to be vaccinated or tested, it is an inconvenience but it is something that folks who aren’t vaccinated need to consider.”
It was actually unvaccinated exhibitors asking about their options which drove Explore Edmonton to look into rapid testing.
“That’s why we are providing the rapid COVID test on site,” she said. “So if there happens to be exhibitors who choose to come and participate at the show who aren’t vaccinated for whatever reason, they still have the option to do the testing with the convenience that it will be delivered right on site.”
The restrictions didn’t seem to affect exhibitor registrations, Jones said Oct. 1. (However, most exhibitors sign up shortly before the deadline, which was Oct. 15.)
“We’ve had some big pickup with the numbers so at this point it looks like there will definitely be a show unless further protocols come from the government around COVID.”
