Garrett County Government - Department of Business Development

2020 Garrett County Agriculture Fair Canceled

Last Updated on Jul 2, 2020 at 2:17pm | Agribusiness

Article courtesy of NCWV Media - The Republican. Staff Writer: Brenda Ruggiero. Photo Credit: Brenda Ruggiero.
 
 
The 2020 Garrett County Agriculture Fair has been canceled.
 
The announcement was made on the fair’s Facebook page Wednesday, with a notation that the fair board regrets the need for this decision.
 
However, a Livestock Expo and Sale is planned for Aug. 4-8 at the fairgrounds to allow Garrett County 4-H and FFA members to show and sell their market animals.
 
This will be hosted by the Garrett County Farm Bureau and the Garrett County Livestock Association.
 
“The Fair Board would like to thank the Garrett County Commissioners, Garrett County Health Department and the local Maryland Extension Office for all of their assistance over the past couple months in working towards making an informed decision on the 2020 Fair,” the post stated. “The Board would also like to thank the Garrett County Farm Bureau and members of the Garrett County Livestock Association for their help and leadership in pulling together a solution to allow our local youth the opportunity to show and sell their market animals this year.”
 
Even into late June, the fair board had been anticipating having a 2020 event, stating that it recognizes the importance of the fair to the Garrett County community.
 
On May 27, the Facebook page stated that the fair board was pushing the final decision out as far as possible.
 
“While no one anticipates the fair being able to be anything close to normal, we do want to explore all potential options and alternatives,” the May 27 post stated. “The final decision will be based on a number of factors while working with our partners from the state and Garrett County Government, the Maryland Extension Office, Maryland Association of Agriculture Fairs and Shows, as well as others.”
 
During a press conference on June 10, outdoor amusements were mentioned by Gov. Larry Hogan as among those being allowed to reopen June 12.
Stipulations at that time were 50 percent capacity with appropriate health and safety protocols.
 
Included were outdoor amusements and rides, including miniature golf and go-kart tracks and conference and event venues.
 
The 2021 Garrett County Agriculture Fair is planned for July 31 through Aug. 7.