The Dutchess County Fair Is Canceled for the First Time in Nearly 80 Years
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The only other times the fair has been canceled was in 1916 and 1918 for financial reasons; in 1927 and 1928 due to heavy rains and flooding; and in 1942 because of World War II.
Photo by sharpimagesphotographic.com
In early June, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the organizers of the Dutchess County Fair made the “very emotional and difficult decision” to cancel this year’s fair. “We are heartbroken for the small businesses, family farms, competitors and exhibitors and communities who rely on the income and exposure the Dutchess County Fair brings them,” Andy Imperati, president and CEO of the Dutchess County Agricultural Society, said in a press release.
“We have one chance to do it right and if we cannot present the best of the best to our fairgoers, then we will not do it.”
The Dutchess County Fair is the largest agricultural six-day fair in New York State. The last time there was a change in the schedule was in 2011, when the fair closed early due to Hurricane Irene and an earthquake.
The 175th Annual Dutchess County Fair will return Aug. 24–29, 2021.