The Maries County Fair Association has announced the cancellation of the 2020 Maries County Fair.
In a Facebook announcement earlier this week, the association noted the FFA and 4H livestock committees were deciding "how best to proceed with their events."
"We had to consider the health and safety of our guests, vendors, staff, volunteers and community, as well as the financial risks," the announcement stated. "After weighing everything, there was only one conclusion: The risks were just too high."
In explaining the factors behind the decision, the association pointed to the known risks of spreading COVID-19 at large gatherings, as well as financial considerations for businesses who normally help sponsor and advertise, and the potential for low turnout and bad weather.
"We take our responsibility to our community seriously and for all these reasons, we've made the decision to pull back this year," the announcement stated. "We will take this time to plan a proper 75th Anniversary of the Maries County Fair without the compromises that would have had to be made this year."
The announcement was signed by association President Tommy Pickering and the fair board of directors.