Photo by Frank Speziale

CHENANGO COUNTY - After delaying the decision for as long as possible, the Chenango County Agricultural Society met on June 15 and voted to cancel the 173rd Chenango County Fair.

According to Agricultural Society President Mary Weidman, the decision represents a momentary break for the fair, which has taken place every year since 1887.

“This decision did not come lightly for the board,” said Weidman. “We feel it is the correct thing to do to keep all our patrons, volunteers, exhibitors and Coleman Brothers Carnival participants healthy and safe in this particularly difficult planned recovery time from the COVID health crisis.”

“Our neighboring fairs of Afton, Madison County and Broome County have previously canceled, along with the majority of County Fairs in New York State.”

She said the Chenango County Fair was incorporated in the area in 1887 around the civil war. She added that the fair board didn’t think it would be possible to enforce social distancing guidelines and ensure that everyone would be safe at the event.

“We had to look at the broader spectrum of everything going on and make a difficult decision,” said Weidman. “What if something else were to happen between now and then, like an increase in COVID-19 cases?”

“I think cancelling this year’s fair is going to help keep people safe, and it’s the right thing to do.”

Weidman said this downtime will also be used to help foster new concepts and ideas for next year’s fair to help keep it interesting for new and returning fairgoers.

“We’re always trying to think of something we can do that is more creative, and maybe this will give us some time to come up with a new initiative,” she said. “That being said it’s important that people know the Chenango County Fair isn’t run by a government organization, the fair board is a not-for-profit organization.”

“Also I think some people look at the fairgrounds as being just a spot for the fair, but it can be so much more than just that.”

Weidman said the fairgrounds can be rented for events that require a lot of space for social distancing, and is actively looking for partnerships with its community.

She said those who are interested in learning more about the fairgrounds or its availability may reach out to the Fair Office at (607) 334-9198 for additional information.

She added that normally the six days of the Chenango County Fair provide the funds to maintain the 35 acre Fairgrounds and offer the facility for other events.

“The Memorial Day Rolling Antiquers Old Car Club, Chenango Dairy Day, the July 4th celebration, the Chenango Blues Fest, the Central New York Cattle Show, Chenango 4-H events, as well as many other day functions have previously canceled events in response to the major health issues presented by the COVID crisis,” Weidman said. “Every year, the fair brings people together like an extended family and class reunion with great carnival foods and entertainment.”

She said the general consensus of board members this year is, “If we can’t do this well and present a safe fair, then we don’t want to have one that won’t bring good memories and we will plan for an even better one in 2021.”