There will be no candy floss, rides, or farm animals at the Western Fair District this fall.
The Western Fair Association Board of Governors announced Thursday that this year's Western Fair has been cancelled because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
“We knew we would have to make a decision sooner or later. Mass gatherings are restricted until phase three of the Province’s reopening plan, and there is no certainty that we would reach that phase by September," said Western Fair Association CEO Reg Ash in a statement released Thursday afternoon. "The reality of impending timelines required to prepare for and create a 10-day event of this size, and the fact that the COVID-19 virus in our region have no foreseeable end date, it became apparent that it would not be possible to mount our annual signature event this September.”
The cancellation marks the first time since the Second World War that the Western Fair hasn't been held.
“This is no doubt a sad day for the Western Fair District, and families across our region," said London mayor Ed Holder. "As difficult as this decision was, I applaud and admire the Western Fair District’s Board of Directors for putting public health and safety above all else. The Western Fair represents many things to many people in our region: family fun, entertainment, and the unofficial start of the fall season. During its 152 year history, the Fair has survived World Wars, economic catastrophes, and even pandemics. I have no doubt it will also outlast COVID19, and return better than ever before in 2021. I hope to see you there.”
The 2020 Western Fair was supposed to run from September 11 to September 20.
Fair officials said they are working on what they are calling a "Virtual Fair" which would see many competitions and contests that would normally be held at the fair held online instead. More details are expected over the summer.
