UNION, Maine — Another day, another cancellation.
Many Maine fairs have already been canceled for the 2020 season due to the coronavirus, and now organizers say the Union Fair & Maine's Wild Blueberry Festival will be added to that growing list.
"The safety of our volunteers, exhibitors, and general public is our prime concern," Union Fair President Ron Hawes said in the announcement Saturday. "In addition, it would be nearly impossible to have an event of this size under the current mandated guidelines."
The fair was set to take place August 22-29, but has now been postponed completely to 2021.
The car show, scheduled for May 30, was canceled at the beginning of April.
The fairs that have already made the decision to postpone to 2021 include Acton Fair, Harmony Free Fair, Houlton Agricultural Fair, Litchfield Fair, Monmouth Fair, Northern Maine Fair, Ossipee Fair, Topsham Fair, Windsor Fair, and Waterford World's Fair.
Maine Farm Days in Clinton was also canceled this week.
The Common Ground Country Fair is one fair that is adapting to the current circumstances and moving to a virtual format rather than canceling altogether.
"Governor Mills' gradual plan to restart Maine's economy has provided information and clarity about the months ahead as the COVID-19 pandemic continues," Common Ground Country Fair Director April Boucher stated in a press release. "At this time the guidance we have received, along with information from our fellow Maine Agricultural Fairs, has led us to the decision to pursue a virtual Fair and not have an on-site event this year. This decision takes into account the safety and need for advanced planning for our community and allows us to begin planning a marquee virtual event."
As of Friday, fairs still evaluating whether to cancel or not are: Bangor State Fair, Blue Hill Fair, Cumberland Fair, Farmington Fair, Fryeburg Fair, Oxford County Fair, Piscataquis Valley Fair, Pittston Fair, Skowhegan Fair, and Springfield Fair.
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