COLDWATER, MI - Another long time summer event is not going to be happening.

The Branch County Fair Board of Directors announced Tuesday that after much deliberation and sleepless nights, they voted to cancel the 2020 Fair. Board members say this decision was not easy and not taken lightly. The health and welfare of the youth, community volunteers, vendors and concessionaires is the Fair's number one priority.

The Board also says they need to be fiscally responsible for the future of the Fair. COVID-19 and the resulting mandates of the State of Michigan guided the Board in this decision as well.

The last cancellation of the Branch County Fair was in 1929, with the start of the Great Depression.

The Fair Board says while they are not able to predict what the pandemic will look like in August, they can make educated decisions based on information and guidance available today. Waiting any longer to make this decision would be potentially more damaging to the youth's summer projects and to the fair partners.

The Fair Board says they would like to thank everyone for their support through these trying times and look forward to seeing everyone at the 2021 Branch County Fair.