Sorry fair lovers, the Erie County Fair has been postponed. You'll have to wait for 2021 to experience the 'Best 12 Days of Summer.'


What You Need To Know

  • Erie County Fair postponed till 2021
  • Officials concerned about unclear Phase 4 reopening timeline
  • People who already bought tickets/passes can mail them back for a full refund

Music, laughter, the smell of fair food will be a distant memory this summer at the Erie County Fairgrounds.

"First and foremost, we are a community, and at times like this, we do what's best for the community," says Marty Biniasz, marketing manager for the Erie County Fair, at a press conference on Thursday.

For the Erie County Agricultural Society and Fair officials, the decision to postpone the fair was an emotional one.

"This isn't just a job. This is our passion," says Jessica Underberg, CEO & Erie County Fair manager.

It's not the first time Erie County had to close its fair, but Underberg says there's a difference between COVID-19 and past obstacles.

"When those tornadoes were over, we looked around and said 'Holy cats! OK, let’s go it's done.' When the war was over, it's done. The problem is, we don't know when this is done," she explains.

Underberg says they were concerned, both about the uncertain timeline to Phase Four. as well as social distancing guidelines and overall public health.

"What's the financial impact to that because we assume our attendance would be down. Couple that with extra measures of PPE, extra staffing," she says.

As things go virtual, fair officials aren't sure that will be happening for 4H, but promise something will be done for those kids and animals.

"It may mean something closed to the public. Definitely something involving social distancing measures," Underberg adds.

For people who already bought passes, Underberg says to mail them back to the Erie County Fair for a refund. You can find the address and more information here.