Little Brown Jug to be conducted without spectators

Columbus, OH — The 2020 Little Brown Jug will be conducted before an empty grandstand, according to an announcement made on Tuesday (July 28) by the Delaware (Ohio) County Fair.

In accordance with a recent public health directive from Ohio governor Mike DeWine limiting county fairs in August and beyond to “junior fairs” consisting solely of agricultural events and eliminating grandstand events and midways, the five-day Grand Circuit meeting will not welcome spectators on the grounds.

The announcement in its entirety follows.


In accordance with Governor Mike DeWine’s latest directive, the Delaware (Ohio) Grand Circuit harness racing meet, including the 75th Little Brown Jug (Sept. 24), will be conducted without spectators. The Delaware County Fair will conduct only a Junior Fair this year.

“It is a disappointing day for us,” said Tom Wright, director of racing and president of the Delaware County Agricultural Society Board. “We have been working diligently with the Delaware County Health Department and we felt we could put on a safe event on a smaller scale. We respect the directive and will do our part to make sure we have a safe event for all.”

The Little Brown Jug typically draws upwards of 40,000 spectators from across North America. Fans will be able to watch and wager on the 2020 Grand Circuit Meet (Sept. 20-24) and the Little Brown Jug through its simulcast network. Harness racing will be conducted in accordance with the protocols of the “Safe Return to Racing” as established by the Ohio State Racing Commission.

The Delaware County Fair will hold a virtual online sale for the 2020 Junior Fair. The Junior Fair Sale Committee is still finalizing details and will announce more information as it becomes available.

Further information regarding previously purchased tickets will be mailed in the near future. Supporters of the Little Brown Jug and the Delaware County Fair are urged to visit LittleBrownJug.com and DelawareCountyFair.com for the latest news.

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