When we first read news reports of a new illness on another continent during the winter, we could not imagine the impact it would have on everyday life. We have lost a few fair seasons over time. World Wars, relocation, and even a budget crisis have suspended our annual event. To my knowledge, this is the first year it was called off for a virus. I guess if you are around farming long enough, you will see everything.
We are not alone in this condition. At least 72 county fairs and festivals have made the hard choice to suspend or severely curtail their events this year, and 36 others just haven’t reached that decision point yet. We wish them the very best, but acknowledge that 2020 is just a tough year.
Fairs are a social event, but it looks like a social media event will be about as good as it gets for this summer. We will still be conducting a pageant to select a Fair Queen for 2020. We will be celebrating agriculture during Fair Week on Facebook, so snap some pictures of those prize fruits and vegetables before you enjoy them, and of your arts & crafts projects to share with us in July! Other opportunities will be announced closer to the time. We thank you for your continued support and look forward to celebrating agriculture with you in the future!
Scott Lemmon, President
New Carlisle Fair Association