Because of COVID-19 and concern over its spread, organizers of the Chautauqua County Fair in Dunkirk are the first of eight counties across Western New York to pull the plug on the annual summertime tradition.

"The barns would be starting to get ready for animals. You'd see a lot of starting, to hustle and bustle around here right now." said Dave Wilson, Chautauqua County Fair Board president.

Instead, the grounds are empty, days after the fair board unanimously voted to cancel this year's event set to start July 20.

The iconic opening-day cannon, silenced.

"It was a very, very tough decision. Our life is here, we all grew up here," said Wilson. 

Wilson says the decision was made just prior to the signing of contracts and the selling of pre-sale tickets in early June.

With the cancellation also comes the inability for 4-H'ers to show their animals.

"We're just heartbroken for all the participants, the exhibitors, the people that rely on the fair for their income, for their exposure. We just couldn't wait any longer, not having any guidance from above," said Wilson.

"We have no update yet on fairs, right," said Gov. Andrew Cuomo, D-NY, said.

Gov. Cuomo addressed the topic Wednesday, but did not elaborate further than large public gatherings were in the fourth phase of his reopening plan. 

"It all depends on the numbers. Nobody can tell you what the numbers are. Are we at a point where anyone can forecast, when will Phase Four happen, no," said Cuomo.

In Erie County, the “best 12 days of summer” are still a go, as organizers have been working remotely to plan and prepare for this year's event.

Leaders say they're closely monitoring the COVID-19 situation, and despite the challenges, add:

"It is our continued hope that we will be able to open the 181st Erie County Fair on August 12," said Marty Biniasz, Erie County Fair marketing manager.

Organizers in Allegany County say they'll make a decision early next month on the fate of their fair in Angelica, scheduled the same week in July as Chautauqua's.

Wilson says the grandstand events have been rolled over into next year, as the fair looks to turn the page and come back bigger and better July 19-25 in 2021.

"You always look for bigger and brighter days. Definitely we're in a dark period, but I think that if all do everything that we're supposed to do, things will turn around." said Wilson.

Information and updates on all eight county fairs can be found here:

• Allegany
• Cattaraugus
• Chautauqua
• Erie
• Genesee
• Niagara
• Orleans
• Wyoming