Virtual Fair will keep Spirit Alive as 2020 Western Fair Cancellation Announced
Western Fair Association’s Board of Governors and management team announced today that the Association will cancel the 145th Western Fair, scheduled to take place September 11-20, 2020 until September 2021.
This announcement will come as no surprise, as COVID-19 concerns and restrictions on mass gatherings remain in place for the foreseeable future. Western Fair is but one link in a chain of many large and small fairs across Canada who have had to make the same difficult decision to protect their communities. The Canadian fair industry as a whole relies heavily on innumerable valued vendors and service providers who are also affected by these restrictions and closures and the fair cannot be delivered without them.
Western Fair Association CEO, Reg Ash, said “We knew we would have to make a decision sooner or later. Mass gatherings are restricted until phase three of the Province’s reopening plan, and there is no certainty that we would reach that phase by September. The reality of impending timelines required to prepare for and create a 10-day event of this size, and the fact that the COVID-19 virus in our region have no foreseeable end date, it became apparent that it would not be possible to mount our annual signature event this September.”
“As one of the Ontario’s largest agricultural societies, who also operates an annual award- winning major Canadian fair, it became concerning for our Board and management to see many major fairs across the Canadian circuit cancel as the pandemic unfolded. Their decisions were always made with the health and safety of their communities in mind, but our hearts went out to them as each announcement came. The decision to cancel was simple, but far from easy for the Association, and for the many staff and volunteers who are the lifeblood of the event,” – Ann Straatman, Board Chair, Western Fair Association
“This is no doubt a sad day for the Western Fair District, and families across our region. As difficult as this decision was, I applaud and admire the Western Fair District’s Board of Directors for putting public health and safety above all else. The Western Fair represents many things to many people in our region: family fun, entertainment, and the unofficial start of the fall season. During its 152 year history, the Fair has survived World Wars, economic catastrophes, and even pandemics. I have no doubt it will also outlast COVID19, and return better than ever before in 2021. I hope to see you there.” His Worship Ed Holder, Mayor, City of London.
Western Fair is so appreciative of the many people – guests, staff & volunteers, exhibitors, vendors, sponsors, service providers, community groups, entertainers and attractions, 4-Hers and farmers for their ongoing support. Not since World War 2 has the Western Fair ceased its operation, this is new territory for employees and volunteers who annually dedicate a great deal of passion, time and hard work to deliver the 10-day community celebration. There is sadness, at losing the 2020 Western Fair, but if our history has taught us anything, it is that we have survived major world events before, and we remain confident that we will again.
The cancellation of fairs and community celebrations of every kind will be missed this year, but to keep the Fair’s spirit alive for our patrons and guests that can’t be with us in person this fall, management and staff have been working behind the scenes on a Virtual Fair that will provide a selection of online competitions, summer fun contests, prizes, fair food offerings, entertainment, and agriculture education. The Fair looks forward to connecting with the community online throughout the summer and in September, for some traditional last blast of summer fun!
