June Fete Fair Will End 111-Year Streak After Cancellation

EASTERN MONTGOMERY COUNTY, PA —The June Fete Fair —which has been held for 111 consecutive years —has been canceled this year for safety reasons.

The Abington Health Foundation Women’s Board, which runs the event, said in an email obtained by Patch that the June Fete Fair and Horse & Pony Show planned for the weekend of June 7-9 in the Huntingdon Valley will not take place this year.

"We regret to share that our longstanding tradition has been canceled for this year," the foundation said in an email on Saturday.

The fete benefits Abington Memorial Hospital.

The board said that the event could not take place because Upper Moreland Township denied the June Fete Fair's permit applications due to "the township’s current safety and security concerns related to numerous local events."

The board said it "collaboratively with the township for several months to try to mitigate potential security risks."

Safety measures planned included canceling evening hours, removing thrill-seeking rides, installing weapon detection screening systems at entrance gates, and increasing security coverage threefold, the board stated in its email.

"It is the township’s position, that despite the security measures we proposed to address any concerns, the high risk of safety and security issues remains," the AHF Women's Board said in its email.

The fair has taken place in Montgomery County since 1913. The turnout last year was nearly 20,000 people.

It was scheduled for Friday, June 7, through Sunday, June 9.

Each year, it features amusement rides, carnival games, entertainment, food, and vendors.

On the Saturday of the fair, there is a Horse & Pony Show involving a competition between local equestrians.

Last year, the fair raised $107,000 to support Jefferson Abington Hospital.

"For the past 111 years, the Women’s Board of Abington Health Foundation has worked diligently to provide this family-friendly event for our community," the AHF Women's Board said. "While we are incredibly disappointed that the June Fete Fair and Horse & Pony Show will not take place this year, we respect the township’s decision and take the safety and security of our community extremely seriously, as this is our top priority."