LOVINGTON, N.M. (AP) — A southeastern New Mexico county is going ahead with plans to hold the county fair’s junior livestock show and sale in August amid concerns over COVID-19.

The Hobbs News-Sun reports the Lea County Commissioners voted unanimously Thursday to send a letter to Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham asking her to amend her public order so the annual junior livestock show could take place.

Commissioners say the event can be done while following the state’s safety restrictions and the Center for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines.

The request came even as the county was forced to cancel its annual fair and rodeo.

On Thursday, New Mexico health officials reported an additional 248 COVID-19 cases, bringing the statewide total of confirmed infections to 12,520.

Another three deaths also were reported, bringing that total to 503.

Bernalillo, the state’s most populous county, led all others with 97 additional cases reported for the day. In southern New Mexico, Doña Ana County reported an additional 42 cases.