UPDATED: April 30, 2020 at 3:08 p.m.
Area event organizers are facing tough decisions as the COVID-19 situation continues and agricultural society members, who organize local fairs, are no exception.
The Navan Fair, which was set to take place from August 6 to 9, 2020, has been cancelled.
A few weeks ago, the Maxville Fair, traditionally one of the first agricultural fairs of the season, was cancelled. It had been scheduled for June 26 to 28, 2020.
In a statement on the website, the Maxville Fair Board of Directors says, “In this time of uncertainty, for the protection of our volunteers and for the protection of our community the Board of Directors of the Maxville Fair wishes to advise the 2020 Maxville Fair is officially cancelled.”
“This was not an easy decision and was made after much consideration, discussion and anxiety.”
Similarly, the Lachute Fair, set to take place in July 2020, has been cancelled. The website indicates that the next fair will take place from July 8 through 11 in 2021.
Agricultural societies across the province are waiting as long as possible to make informed decisions.
The Vankleek Hill Fair, set to take place in August, has not been cancelled as of yet. But the truck pull/show ‘n’ shine event, which was to take place in June at the Vankleek Hill fairgrounds, has been cancelled. Several weeks ago, a Musical Ride event set to take place in May 2020, was in the planning stages but was cancelled by the RCMP Musical Ride Association.
The Williamstown Fair posted this on its Facebook page on April 20: “For as long as we can remember this would be the time of year that we would begin preparing the fairgrounds for this year’s edition of the Williamstown Fair. While preparations have started, we are closely monitoring the COVID-19 pandemic situation at this time. We know that the community is wondering whether there will be a fair this summer. Although it is not business as usual the board has determined that it is too early yet to make a decision on the fate of this year’s fair. You can be sure that when we have all the facts and notification from Government Agencies, we will let you know.”
The Russell Fair, scheduled for August, has not yet been cancelled. A message from Russell Fair president Lyndon Donnelly, posted on the website states, “Effective immediately, responding to the current situation of the Covid19 pandemic, the RAS executive has decided to postpone all RAS events and meetings immediately. We will resume after we are given the green light from our governments. The upcoming Chinese Dinner and Piano event and Ladies Night are postponed. Our Bonspiel has already been cancelled. The Director’s meeting in April is also cancelled. Please take care, continue to practice social distancing and stay home so we can kick this virus to the curb and then we can get back to what we do best, plan and have amazing events supporting our Russell Fair!”
