2020 Mountain State Fair canceled because of Covid-19

FLETCHER - The 2020 Mountain State Fair at the WNC Ag Center will be canceled this year due to the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler made the announcement July 7 at a press conference. This is the first time the fair has been called off since it began in 1994. 

The decision to cancel was based on the safety and health of visitors and staff, the current climb in positive COVID-19 cases, the state only being at Phase 2 of reopening, social distancing measures, and the long-term financial health of the Ag Center, according to Troxler. 

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He acknowledged the tradition of the fair, which was slated to run Sept. 11-20 this year, and the number of people who look forward to it annually. The fair averages about 180,000 visitors a year.

“I would like nothing better than to not be making this announcement today,” Troxler said. “The Western N.C. Ag Center and the Mountain State Fair are important to the community. Both are cultural and economic forces, and I am aware of the significant contributions they make. I am heartbroken for the small businesses, family farms, competitors and exhibitors impacted by this decision.” 

The call to cancel was put off until now with the hopes the factors surrounding the pandemic would improve, Troxler explained, but they appear to only have gotten worse. 

Officials determined a socially distanced fair that followed CDC guidelines would result in a scaled-back and less enjoyable experience.

“To offer anything less than a full experience and our very best shortchanges everyone,” Troxler said.

Economic commitments were also a major factor. It costs over $1 million annually to put on the Mountain State Fair.

The fair would have to commit over $500,000 in contracts and expenses by the end of July to operate this year, Troxler explained. Several fairs around the country have also made the decision to cancel this year due to the pandemic, he added.

The Ag Center has canceled 76 events to date due to COVID-19, which has resulted in

a “significant loss of income.”

“We’re like all businesses that have had to shut down,” he said.

The Ag Center still plans to host a junior livestock show. Dates and details are still undecided. Troxler said he has also advised staff to come up with ideas for events to host in place of the fair. Information will be announced at a later date.

“We are North Carolinians. We are strong. We are resilient, and I am confident we will get through this,” Troxler said.

Plans are to return the fair in 2021.

Last year’s fair was tainted with an outbreak of Legionnaires’ disease. At least 141 cases, including four deaths, were tied to the fair.

The Mountain State Fair has become one of the most popular annual events in Western North Carolina. Opening weekend crowds have topped 60,000. Last year’s event had 171,000 visitors.