Plans are moving forward for a scaled-down, socially distanced version of MontanaFair in three weeks.
MetraPark Marketing Director Ray Massie sais Tuesday safety protocols to slow the spread of COVID-19 have necessitated changes for MontanaFair 2020.
Beyond the lack of night shows or concerts, the 4H competitions and livestock shows will be closed to the public, with group size limited to 10 people.
The Metra grounds will be restricted to a maximum of 3,000 people, and all carnival rides will operate at 50 percent occupancy.
All carnival workers and MetraPark employees will be wearing masks, and people are being asked to purchase tickets online to help eliminate crowds at the box office.
Also this year, MontanaFair is offering no-fee ticketing to encourage people to purchase their tickets in advance.
MontanaFair 2020 runs Aug. 7 through Aug. 15. The Thomas Carnival, however, will be in town two weeks early, with the carnival set to open at MetraPark July 24.
