The Kosciusko County Community Fair this year has been cancelled, with next year’s fair scheduled for July 11-17, 2021.
The 104th annual community fair was cancelled Monday night after a vote by the Fair Board, citing effects of COVID-19 related guidelines and a lack of participation from the 4-H division and vendors.
“This year has been unprecedented for its effect on the world and our lives,” Fair Board President Shane Checketts said. “Painful decisions have had to be made by many people, including the Kosciusko County Fair Board. Believe me, it was not a very easy decision to make. Unfortunately, we have found ourselves with no choice but to cancel the fair for this year. There’s no easy way to say it.”
Checketts said the many moving parts of navigating the health pandemic has affected several key components of the fair that were beyond the fair’s control.
“Our responsibility is the safety and health of our many workers, volunteers, carnival workers, vendors, exhibitors and the 40,000 visitors we have the privilege of hosting each year,” Checketts said. “The many health and safety requirements are simply impossible for us to achieve at this time.”
Jeanette Wood, the fair’s general manager, said a meeting of the board is planned for 7 p.m. July 9 at the fairgrounds for discussion of possible ideas and events that could still take place for entertainment over the summer.
