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For the second straight summer, the COVID-19 crisis is canceling the Chautauqua County Fair.

In a message posted to Facebook, the fair board said, “Due to the continued COVID – 19 situation, its impact on community health and well- being, the 2021 Chautauqua County Fair is postponed until July 18-24, 2022.

“The safety of the Chautauqua County Fair’s visitors, participants and community is the highest priority in producing the annual fair. After careful consideration, it became clear that the postponement was the prudent choice for the fair to do its part to improve community health and safety, and reduce the cycle of infection.”

“The impact of the fair’s postponement will be felt far beyond the loss of our annual celebration,” said Dave Wilson, president of the Fair Board. “We are heartbroken for the second year in a row for the small businesses, family farms, competitors, exhibitors and everyone who relies on the income and exposure that the Chautauqua County Fair brings them.”

“Since 1881, we have only cancelled the fair for 3 years during WW11(1942-1944) when the fairgrounds were used for a Prisoner of War Camp for the Germans, Japanese and Italians and last year due to the COVID – 19 pandemic,” said Wilson.

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