The Fair Board says it was an ‘extremely difficult’ decision.
Frederick, Md (KM) The Great Frederick Fair has been canceled for this year due to the COVID-19 pandemic. In a statement, the Fair Board said this decision was not taken lightly, but it was in the best interests of public health and safety.
The Fair was originally scheduled for September 18-26, 2020.
The Fair Board said this decision was made following months of deliberations and discussions on how to safely put on the annual event. But the Board said if it was to follow recommendations from the CDC and state and local health departments, it would result in eliminating some of the Fair’s many traditions and make others unrecognizable.
Instead of putting on the Great Frederick Fair this year, the Board said it will host a youth livestock show. The details will be announced at a later date. The Fair Board says this is part of its mission to promote agriculture and the education of young people about the agriculture industry.
The Fair was canceled in 1918 during the influenza pandemic on the advice of state health officials It was also called off in 1942 and 1943 because of Word War II. The Fairgrounds were used by the Office of Price Administration for the war effort.
The Fair Board says all concerts, motor sports and carnival events which had tickets already on sale are canceled until next year. All ticket holders will be contacted over the next 30 days and offered the option of carrying their tickets over, or getting a refund.
The Great Frederick Fair attracts more than 230,000 guests, and generates over $1-million in revenue for local businesses each year.
By Kevin McManus