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Erie County Fair postponed until 2021

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Wed, May 27th 2020 10:25 pm

Only second time since 1841 that no fair will be held

The Erie County Agricultural Society, sponsors of the Erie County Fair, announced Wednesday that it has decided to postpone the 2020 Erie County Fair (originally scheduled to be held Aug. 12-23).

“Although our board and staff share a feeling of profound disappointment in making the announcement to cancel the 2020 Erie County Fair, it has become clear that canceling is the responsible choice for the fair to do its part to support community health and safety, and to minimize the spread of COVID-19,” CEO and Fair Manager Jessica Underberg said.

The impact of the Erie County Fair’s cancellation will be felt far beyond the loss of the fair, she noted.

“We are heartbroken for the small businesses, family farms, competitors and exhibitors impacted in so many ways by this decision,” Underberg said.

That said, the Erie County Fair staff is exploring ways in which regional youth agricultural-based organizations may be able to participate in “hands-on” programs at the fairgrounds with the necessary safeguards to create a safe environment for the participants.

Underberg added, “As difficult as this time in our history is, we know that the Erie County Agricultural Society and Western New York will emerge from this challenging moment and will be ready for the 2021 Erie County Fair, scheduled to be held on Aug. 11-22, 2021. We look forward to brighter, better days ahead when we can gather to celebrate the ‘Best 12 Days of Summer’ in Western New York.”

12-Day Pass Refund Information

Full refunds for 2020 Erie County Fair 12-day passes will be processed by mailing the passes back to the fair office at 5600 McKinley Parkway, Hamburg, NY 14075. Ticketholders should include the name and address of the individual requesting the refund.

In-person refunds will not be handled at the fair’s main office, as it is closed due to COVID-19.

Historical Context of Cancelation

The postponement of the 2020 Erie County Fair marks only the second time since 1841 that the event has been cancelled. During World War II, the 1943 fair was canceled to support the patriotic rationing of gasoline and other vital wartime commodities. The fair returned the following year to record-breaking attendance.

Visit www.ECFair.org.

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