2020 Fayette County Fair canceled, impact on local economy detrimental, leaders say

DUNBAR, Pa. — The 2020 Fayette County Fair has been canceled.

The announcement was made Monday night with a post on the fair’s Facebook page that said the decision was made after careful consideration by the Fayette County Fair Board of Directors.

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“Our concern for the safety of fair volunteers, exhibitors, vendors and visitors is paramount. We feel a lack of clarity from the state, as well as potential financial risk, prohibits us from operating this year’s event safely and successfully,” the post said.

County leaders said this fair is one of the largest in the state, and the impact on the local economy is detrimental. Options to hold a market livestock show and sale for local youth are being explored.

“We have 130 local businesses and organizations that set up out there, and the fair is a normal part of their year. So, yeah, it hurts,” said Muriel Nuttall, executive director of chamber of commerce.

The 2021 Fayette County Fair is currently scheduled for July 29 to August 7.

Bill Jackson, president of the fair board, told Channel 11 it wasn’t an easy decision, but the clarity of guidelines, safety of visitors and jeopardizing a million dollar budget was too much of a risk.

“There were some liability concerns also along with that, and we just felt like we got clear guidance from the state as far as number of people allowed, what restrictions might be,” Jackson said.

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