Submitted by Southwest Washington Fair
The Lewis County Board of County Commissioners, the Southwest Washington Fair Advisory Commission, Lewis County Public Health Department, 4-H and FFA leadership, and the Fair management have mutually reached the decision that the Southwest Washington Fair will not be held this summer. Scheduled dates were August 18-23.
Multiple concerns regarding public safety, the ability to fulfill any mandated protocols, loss of revenue, ability to obtain certain permits, the health and safety of our exhibitors and loss of attendance have all led to the decision to cancel the fair for 2020.
“We are saddened to have to cancel the fair this year. We all agree that this decision was not an easy one to make but it is the right one for 2020,” stated Fair Manager Tamara Hayes.
While the Southwest Washington Fair has continued preparation all along, many important components have been in a holding pattern of uncertainty. In addition, the Fair relies on a large number of superintendents, volunteers and employees who are senior citizens. “We especially want to keep these folks as healthy and safe as possible. We depend on them to help put on the Fair every year,” Hayes said.
The fair team is exploring options to hold the market sale and other virtual fair activities the week of fair. This conversation is ongoing, but we want to make sure to highlight the hard work of our community, especially the 4-H and FFA kids’ projects.
This is only the second time in its 111-year history the Fair will not open for the season. The Southwest Washington Fair was closed for approximately two years during World War II.
The goal is to present a combined 111th & 112th Southwest Washington Fair Reunion in August 2021 (Aug. 17-21, 2021). It will be bigger and better than ever. A record number of new exhibits, activities, attractions and remodeling/improvements – as well as a master planning project – were planned for this year, and we are in the process of rolling everything over into next year.
The Fair will be offering full refunds or rollovers for any camping or vendor spots guests had purchased for 2020. In addition, those who bought advanced tickets will receive a full refund. A refund request form will be available online at https://southwestwashingtonfair.org/general-info/news/
We look forward to reuniting August 17-21, 2021, to showcase our agricultural and industrial roots, to celebrate our future, to display the accomplishments of our community members and to encourage learning through participation, competition and observation while inspiring community pride.
