Why is the Lucasville Trade Days event permitted when so many other events were canceled due to COVID this year?
On the long list of Coronavirus victims are:
- Scioto County Fair
- River Days
- Proms
- In-person graduations
- movie theaters
- in-person plays
- wedding receptions
Many people complained that wasn’t exactly fair. Consider this comment on the Lucasville Trade Days Facebook page: “How did you get the okay from the health department when they canceled the fair, River Days, and an outdoor concert at Tracey Park. Sounds like the health department is picking what they want to take place Scioto County. Don’t complain when the number of COVID cases increase after this event.”
Scioto County Commissioner Bryan Davis even mentioned the Trade Days decision when discussing whether or not Scioto County should hold Trick-or-Treat. “If we can have Trade Days, we can have trick or treat. Kids are already wearing masks.”
Trade Days A Farmers Market or Not?
So, why is Trade Days allowed? According to the Scioto County Health Department, the event is considered a farmer’s market. In a statement on their Facebook page, the health department said, “The Scioto County Health Department would like to make a clarification regarding Trade Days. Trade Days is allowed to operate due to being licensed as a farmers market (license number 730097).”
A commenter on that post pointed out, “They didn’t allow the fair but they are allowing people to buy used trash cans and a goat?”
According to the listing on the State of Ohio’s official tourism page, “This event features dogs, and other farm animals, plus every kind of flea market treasure you can imagine! Bring your animals to sell, buy, or trade. Drag out your antiques or junk from the barn, garage, or attic, and turn them into cash at Lucasville!”
Last June, Trade Days organizers posted a letter from the Scioto County Health Department that said, “”It has been determined that Trade Days does not meet the definition of a farmers’ market, nor could they even meet the required social distancing requirements that are ordered at this time.”
So What Changed?
So, what changed between then and now? According to Scioto County Health Commissioner Dr. Michael Martin, one simple thing. The folks behind the event went out and registered with the state as a farmers market. Martin said, “In June they were not registered as a Framers Market. Since that time they have registered with the State of Ohio as a Farmers Market.”
Martin said the organizers promised to change the way they operate. “They have agreed to function as one with limitations on what they can sell. This requirement has been made clear to them.”
Dr. Martin said he is confident the organizes will follow the rules. “We anticipate they will abide by all state-mandated regulations regarding a Farmers Market and Ohio’s Safe Reopening Plans.”
I contacted Trade Days organizers to find out how this event will differ from previous Trade Days. I haven’t heard back yet.
