Durham Fair 2020 Canceled Due To Coronavirus Pandemic

DURHAM, CT — For only the fifth time in its long history, the Durham Fair has been canceled. Organizers announced Thursday the “very difficult decision” to cancel the popular fair due to the new coronavirus pandemic. The Durham Fair, which was established in 1916, was canceled three times for World War II, from 1942 to 1944, and once for the hurricane of 1938.

“During these very challenging times, we have been confronted with a life situation that was unexpected, historic and has affected all our lives,” Daniel Miramant, president of the Durham Agricultural Fair Association, wrote in a message to the community on Facebook. “Our beloved Fair has endured for over a century through countless challenging situations and world situations.”

Miramant said the coronavirus pandemic has “impacted all of us, both on a personal and professional level and has changed the world we live in.” For the past several weeks, organizers have been discussing the possibility of holding the historic fair.

“Knowing that we are the largest country fair in the State of Connecticut as well as one of the state’s largest mass gathering events, has played a critical role in this decision,” Miramant said. “We have been consistently monitoring the progress of both Federal and State guidelines to determine its impact on our Fair. We regard the health and safety of our volunteers, our exhibitors, our fairgoers and surrounding community as being the utmost importance in any decisions regarding our Fair.

“Given the uncertainty of this deadly virus, the potential resurgence during the fall timeframe and the health, safety and logistical impacts of our volunteers, fairgoers and community, our Directors have voted decisively to cancel the 2020 Fair. This decision was reached as a result of a well vetted and comprehensive process. A heartfelt decision, we are committed to return to our traditions and agricultural roots stronger than ever in the fall of 2021.

“We wish you the best of health during these challenging times and anxiously look forward to when we can all be together again. Be Safe and God Bless!”