OBSERVER Photo by Zack Crandall Cars smash each other with the Ferris wheel in the background at the Chautauqua County Fair Demolition Derby Tuesday night.

The 2020 iteration of the Chautauqua County Fair has been canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic, organizers announced early Tuesday.

“The safety of the Chautauqua County Fair’s visitors, participants and community is the highest priority in producing the annual fair,” the organizers said. “After careful consideration, it became clear that cancellation was the prudent choice for the fair to do its part to improve community health and safety, and reduce the cycle of infection. Provided the COVID-19 situation improves to the point where it is safe to hold mass gathering, the Chautauqua County Fair will return July 19-25, 2021.”

Said David Wilson, fair president, “The impact of the fair’s cancellation will be felt far beyond the loss of our annual celebration. We are heartbroken for the small businesses, family farms, competitors, exhibitors and everyone who rely on the income and exposure the Chautauqua County Fair brings them.

“Since 1881, we have only canceled the fair for three years during World War II when the fairgrounds were used for a prisoner of war camp for the Germans, Japanese and Italians.

“We look forward to brighter days ahead when we can gather again to celebrate all that is exceptional about Chautauqua County. Until then, stay safe, be well and support each other. We’ll miss you.”