Cancelled for 2020
It survived the Spanish flu, the Great Depression, and two world wars, but the 179th consecutive Stratford Fall Fair won’t be happening in 2020.The Stratford and District Agricultural Society, organizers of the annual four-day event scheduled for Sept. 24-27, officially cancelled it Thursday due to public-health concerns related to the ongoing pandemic.
“This was an emotional decision,” said Deputy Mayor Martin Ritsma, chair of the event’s organizing committee, adding that public health officials were consulted before the decision was made. “The safety piece, without a doubt, is the most important piece we have to look at and it’s the safety of both visitors and people that help us put on the fair.”
This year’s theme was 2020 Vision: Seeing Agriculture Clearly.
“Obviously we didn’t see this coming,” Ritsma added. “Nor could (we), I think like so many, understand the impact of COVID-19.”
The fair in Stratford, an opportunity organizers take to bridge a cultural divide between the region’s rural and urban residents, attracts between 12,000 to 15,000 people every year. Admission has been free for the past several years, providing everyone in the region a chance to enjoy traditional activities such as the midway, livestock show and pie auction, to name a few.
Although Ritsma said the agricultural society will suffer a modest financial hit – he estimated the impact to be about $30,000 – most of the fair’s budget is covered through sponsorships and organizers are expecting the event to return in full next year.
Most of the agricultural fairs across the province are not expected to take place this year.
“Of the 214 fairs across Ontario, over 180 have cancelled,” Ritsma said. “Most people are looking at this and saying, you know, for the health and safety of everybody, let’s look towards 2021.”
Local organizers have not ruled out holding some aspects of the fair virtually in September, Ritsma added.
September 24 to September 27, Fair opens at 4 p.m. September 24, 2020
Premises ID: ON4211563
Civic Address: 357 McCarthy Rd, Stratford, ON N5A 7S7, Canada
GPS: 43.38631 -80.98383
Phone: 519-271-5130, Fax: 519-271-0062
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Website: http://www.stratfordagriculturalsociety.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sdas1841/
Stratford Fall Fair 2020 Theme - 20/20 Vision, Seeing Agriculture Clearly! Thursday starts the action packed weekend with Seniors Day, an interactive FARM TO YOU, Midway by Campbells Amusements, Homecraft & School Fair exhibits, Family BBQ & Erick Traplin, Opening Ceremonies, Presidential Pie Auction and Ambassador Competition! Be sure to catch Friday's line up of FARM TO YOU, Homecraft & School Fair Exhibits, Midway! Saturday has the FARM TO YOU, Midway, Homecraft & School Fair exhibits, Kid's Korner, Ontario Texas Longhorn Show, Miniature Horse Show, Mini Prince & Mini Princess competitions, Baby Show and Egg Drop! Sunday finishes off with FARM TO YOU, Midway, Homecraft & School Fair Exhibits, Kid's Korner, Western Horse Show, Show 'n Shine, Pet Show and Little Rays Reptiles!
Susan McGonigle, Fair Secretary - Treasurer
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., Stratford, ON, N5A 7S7
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. 519-271-5130