Topsfield Fair Still On, For Now

TOPSFIELD, MA — The Topsfield Fair has been continuously running every October for 201 years and, as of Tuesday, the 202nd year is on as scheduled for October 2 through 12.

"We continue to monitor the COVID-19 pandemic and work closely with local officials and state representatives," the Essex Agricultural Society, the fair's organizer, said in a statement. "We await the Governor's announcement in regard to Phase 3 and how it will affect the fair."

The statement comes a day after the Big E in West Springfield was canceled for 2020. That fair had been scheduled to run from late September through the first weekend of October.

Topsfield Fair officials said they "should have an answer" by mid-August. But Tuesday's announcement contained the first instructions for people who are planning to attend.

"If you as an individual feel uncomfortable attending this year's fair, then we ask that you stay home," the society said. "Also, if anyone has been exposedto the coronavirus to the 14 days leading up to the fair, we also ask that you stay home."

Dave Copeland writes for Patch and can be reached at dave.copeland@patch.com or by calling 617-433-7851. Follow him on Twitter (@CopeWrites) and Facebook (/copewrites).