ERIN – For the first time since 1850, the Erin Fair has been cancelled.
On June 7 the Erin Agricultural Society (EAS) board of directors voted “with deep regret,” to postpone the 170th edition of the fair due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Held annually leading up to and during Thanksgiving weekend – this year Oct. 7 to 11 – the fair attracts up to 30,000 visitors annually.
“The Erin Fair has survived the Spanish Flu, two World Wars and the Great Depression, but due to the COVID 19 pandemic, there will not be an Erin Fair in 2020,” states a June 9 press release from EAS president Rod Perry.
He noted the 170th fair will now be held in 2021.
“We have a shared responsibility in protecting public safety during this unprecedented health crisis and to safeguard the health of our volunteers, visitors, vendors and exhibitors,” stated Perry.
He explained the popularity of the fair presents “a huge challenge” for organizers, considering physical distancing directives will likely remain in place for the foreseeable future.
“The Erin Fair is put on by over 300 volunteers, many of whom are seniors and are considered in the at-risk population for the virus, making it even more difficult for the EAS to organize a fair in 2020,” stated Perry.
Organizers stressed its volunteers “are passionate about promoting agriculture in our community and we plan to continue those efforts in a safe and healthy manner in the future.”
They also thanked the fair’s “friends, vendors, partners, entertainers, exhibitors, and guests” for “making the 2019 Erin Fair the most successful to date.
“We hope that you and your family will join us again in 2021.”
