RHINEBECK – The Dutchess County Fair, scheduled for this August, has been cancelled because of health concerns from the coronavirus pandemic.
Fair officials cited the safety of their visitors, participants and community as the highest priority. They said after contact with county government agencies and health department, it became clear that cancelling was the most sensible thing to do.
“We explored all options,” said fair President Andy Imperati. “We are heartbroken for the small businesses, family farms, competitors and exhibitors and communities who relay on the income and exposure the Dutchess County Fair brings them.”
Imperati said they have “one chance to do it right and if we cannot present the best of the best to our fairgoers, then we will not do it.”
He said all other non-fair events scheduled on the fairgrounds will be looked at on a per event basis with fairgrounds management and the promoter. If guidelines cannot be met, the event will be cancelled, postponed or rescheduled.
