Every year since the 1850s, the Columbia County Fair has joined with the people of Columbia County to provide a place to gather with friends and family to catch up with each other. The mission and purpose of the Columbia County Fair Association has been to promote the interests of agriculture, household economy and the industrial, mechanical and cultural arts through its annual fair and its exhibits. It provides an arena to showcase the efforts of both junior and open class exhibitors.
After contact and consultation with the city of Portage and the Columbia County Health and Human Services department, the fair board of directors met to discuss the future of the 2020 Columbia County Fair. After consideration of the health, financial and societal issues surrounding the Covid-19 Global Pandemic, it is with an extreme deal of sadness and regret that the difficult decision to cancel the Columbia County Fair scheduled for July 22-26, 2020 was made.
We fully realize how Covid-19 has had negative effects on big moments, experiences and milestones in all of our lives. The cancellation of the fair brings a great deal of disappointment to those people who plan, attend, exhibit, participate and support the fair. However the safety and well-being of all involved are of utmost importance. The difficulties encountered in social distancing, limiting the number of attendees, maintaining a high level of sanitization and insuring a safe and healthy experience as well as the liability involved were huge.
The Columbia County Fair Association is so grateful and appreciative for all the effort and support from everyone who has had a part in the planning of the 2020 Columbia County Fair, no matter how large or small. It was one of the most difficult decisions that the board of directors had to make. We wish everyone good health and thank you for your support during this time. We are going to work hard on the 2021 fair making it one to remember to celebrate our past traditions and to make new memories at the 2021 Columbia County Fair scheduled for July 21-25, 2021.
Thank you,
Paul Becker, President of the Columbia County Fair
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