2020 Stoddard County Fair canceled

The Stoddard County Fair Board has canceled the 2020 Stoddard County Fair amid safety concerns due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

“After talking with state and local officials, meeting with local volunteers and talking in depth with both, we have made the hard decision that we cannot proceed safely,” board chairman Henry Kestner said in a statement he released on behalf of the board to the Dexter Statesman. “The health and safety of our patrons, volunteers, entertainers and the entire community has to be our first concern.”

Kestner said in the statement that the board ultimately decided that it could not safely hold the event all are accustomed to.

“The fair board knew whatever decision we made we would not be able to make everyone happy,” said Kestner. “So this was not a decision we made without lots of discussion or that we took lightly.”

There will be a limited 4H/FFA livestock show and sale on the scheduled Thursday, Friday and Saturday dates. More information will be released at a later date by the fair board.

Kestner said they hope to be able to have a great fair from Sept. 21-25, 2021.