No Fair, No Fried Dough, No Animals, No Rides — After 143 Years

DEERFIELD, NH — The Deerfield Fair scheduled for October in Deerfield has been cancelled out of concern for health and safety of the attendees and vendors during the COVID-19 pandemic.

This would have been the 144th fair to be held, annually attracting 125,000 people from the area and out of state visitors.

Richard Pitman, vice president and spokesperson for the Deerfield Fair, said the directors of the fair unanimously approved bringing a vote to cancel the fair to the membership. Tuesday evening more than 100 members showed up at a meeting to discuss cancelling the fair. An overwhelming number and majority voted to cancel the fair this year.

Richard Pitman said that 4H, and several groups who normally participate in the fair had already cancelled all events from the year. The company who provides the rides indicated they would not be able to provide services.

Pitman said the it in a normal year costs the fair more than $1 million just to open the gates. With the lack of participants, and extra requirements to meet state and CDC guidelines it is not cost effective.

Read the complete letter from the Officers and Board Of Directors Here

In a statement on the fair's website, they said, "The health and wellbeing of our members, community and fair family is important to us."

The fair was scheduled for Oct. 1, to Oct. 4, this year.

Patch.com will update if additional information or alternative plans are released.