Westmoreland Fair officially canceled because of coronavirus restrictions

For the first time in 65 years, the Westmoreland Fair has been canceled, said fair President Craig Lash.

Restrictions put in place to help curb the spread of the coronavirus pandemic made it “impossible” to host the event, Lash said. The restrictions would have included limiting the number of guests to 250 people, along with regulations for how people enter and exit the fairgrounds. He added that the carnival had recently pulled out of the fair, also citing covid-related restrictions.

“It was agonizing to have to make this decision,” Lash said.

Fair officials officially announced the decision on their Facebook page Monday evening, noting a “lack of clarity from state government, plus their restrictions, loss of sponsors and vendors, the absence of the carnival, insurance matters, the health and safety of everyone on the grounds and financial risk,” as reasons for canceling.

The fair was started in 1954 by a group of local farmers and business people. Today it includes a rodeo, baking contests, 4-H events and more.

Fair officials said they are already planning the 2021 Westmoreland Fair, scheduled for Aug. 20-28.

This is not the first summer event to cancel due to the coronavirus. According to the Pennsylvania State Association of County Fairs, 48 out of 108 fairs have decided to cancel so far.

The Big Butler Fair, which draws families from New York, Ohio and West Virginia, is officially off, according to the fair website. The event would have been the 165th year. It’s the first time the fair was canceled since the Civil War.

Smaller events, including the Derry fair and the Sewickley Township Community Fair cited issues with funding as one of their main reasons for canceling.

“Please understand this was a decision we did not want to make, but it had to be made nonetheless,” the Westmoreland Fair Facebook post reads. “In the longrun, it seemed more logical to concentrate efforts on better days. … Thanks to all our visitors, volunteers, sponsors, and everyone who had made us an ongoing success.

“We miss you and are happily awaiting what the future holds for all of us.”