2020 Crawford County Fair Canceled

The Crawford County Fair Board announced June 1 that it has pulled the plug on the 2020 event due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

Like other area fairs, the board cited the complications of balancing the fair with the safety of attendees and social distancing.

Shannon Staples, president of the fair board, said in a video released to Facebook that night that it was with “a heavy heart” that he was announcing the 74th annual fair would be canceled.

“In these unprecedented times, it would bring us nothing but joy to be able to provide an event for people to come together as a community…but a fair with social distancing is not a fair,” the board announced. “The decision was made after much research and consideration. The safety of our fairgoers, exhibitors, vendors, entertainers and volunteers is our top priority.”

Saying that “no one is more heartbroken than the fair board and volunteers,” the board said a successful fair would be impossible with the current restrictions in place.

Advanced ticket holders will be able to use their passes in 2021, but will be eligible for refunds.

The board also announced that sponsors and advertisers would be refunded or it could be redirected to 2021.

A plan is being worked on to allow youth livestock exhibitors to continue on and details will be announced at a further date.

As of May 7, Crawford County planned to move ahead with the fair, which would have been July 7-11.The board announced it was working with local and state officials to monitor the COVID-19 situation.

Country singer Mark Chestnutt was scheduled to headline the main stage on Saturday, July 11 while Josh ward and Randall King were scheduled to provide entertainment for the Friday, July 11 show.