Carnival & Fair News

HAMBURG, NY – The Erie County Agricultural Society, sponsors of the Erie County Fair, announced today that it has decided to postpone the 2020 Erie County Fair (originally scheduled to be held August 12-23, 2020).

The Erie County Fair traditionally ranks within the top 15 of Carnival Warehouse's Top 50 Fairs ranking, having attracted a record 1,238,456 visitors in 2019

“Although our Board and staff share a feeling of profound disappointment in making the announcement to cancel the 2020 Erie County Fair, it has become clear that cancelling is the responsible choice for the Fair to do its part to support community health and safety, and to minimize the spread of COVID 19,” said CEO and Fair Manager Jessica Underberg.

The impact of the Erie County Fair’s cancellation will be felt far beyond the loss of the “Best 12 Days of Summer,” said Underberg.  “We are heartbroken for the small businesses, family farms, competitors and exhibitors impacted in so many ways by this decision.”  However, Underberg added that the Erie County Fair staff is exploring ways in which regional youth agricultural-based organizations may be able to participate in “hands-on” programs at the Fairgrounds with the necessary safeguards to create a safe environment for the participants.

Underberg added, “As difficult as this time in our history is, we know that the Erie County Agricultural Society and Western New York will emerge from this challenging moment and will be ready for the 2021 Erie County Fair, scheduled to be held on August 11th – 22nd, 2021. We look forward to brighter, better days ahead when we can gather to celebrate the “Best 12 Days of Summer in Western New York.”