Cancelled – Ottawa County Fair

Although it doesn't come as much of a surprise, the people behind the Ottawa County Fair have officially decided to cancel for 2020, adding yet another annual Southwest Michigan summer favorite to the growing list of Coronavirus disappointments. Planning and organizing an event this large takes a lot of hard work, and the decision to pull the plug on this year's fair was hardly easy.

The Board of Directors for the Ottawa County Fair made the announcement on their Facebook page Tuesday night, saying, quote, "This decision was not made in haste and we included input from many of our vendors, grandstand events and our carnival, along with many discussions with the Health Department." It continued, "Our sole purpose is to bring fun and enjoyment to the people of our area… youth through senior citizens... and we are already looking forward to organizing the 2021 fair."

So how can you sate that craving for cotton candy and elephant ears? Make way for the "Fair Food Drive-in Weekend" June 5th through the 6th. While maintaining social distancing, you and the family can enjoy a small sensory experience of the fair without ever leaving your car. Get all the details here.

I'm sure this will be one of many such events that our area fairs will be hosting in an effort to maintain an annual tradition and raise enough money to make their 2021 fairs even more spectacular.