COBDEN – Spreading almost as fast as COVID-19 is the list of community fairs forced to close due to the logistics surrounding the pandemic.

Cobden Fair organizers announced today (April 30) the 2020 edition is cancelled.

“For the safety of our patrons, exhibitors, volunteers and organizers, and upon the recommendation of health authorities from the Province of Ontario, our board of directors has decided the 2020 Cobden Fair will not take place as usual at the Cobden fairgrounds this year,” the Cobden Agricultural Society released in a statement today. “We know this announcement has likely been expected, but it does not change the fact it’s tough news for all of us. We can appreciate and we share the disappointment you are feeling. The kids won’t be able to ride the midway this year, families and friends will miss their annual reunion, and we will all miss the camaraderie of meeting to exhibit our animals, visit fellow vendors, and smell the motor oil at the demo derby.”

The fair was scheduled to run from Aug. 28 to Aug. 30. Fair organizers are hard at work putting a “virtual fair” together for 2020.

“The good news is your fair board is taking this as a challenge,” organizers said. “A challenge to continue to offer you a ‘Virtual Fair’ for 2020. We know it won’t be the same, but we ask you to keep an open mind and explore the possibilities with us.”

The board is working on an updated fair book and will be announcing it within the next little while. It will include a youth fair section and a limited exhibit hall section.

“We want to see the creativity of our kids, our crafters and our gardeners,” the board said. “Just because we can’t exhibit at the fairgrounds, doesn’t mean we can’t exhibit online. Agriculture has always been made up of brave, resilient, creative people who rise to challenges every single day. Let’s work together to make the 2020 Cobden Fair something to be proud of for our whole community. We might have to physically distance ourselves, but that doesn’t mean we can’t come together to celebrate agriculture in all its forms.”

Organizers are also promising a return to form in 2021.

“Of course, our usual fabulous fair will return in 2021,” the society said.