The Kenai Peninsula Fair Board made the decision on Wednesday to cancel their 2020 fair due to rising COVID-19 numbers. This year would have marked the 70th anniversary of the Ninilchik event. In a release to the public, the board expressed their disappointment, but that their plan is to put in the work to create a great experience for the 2021 fair.
The statement says that the board hoped that things would take a turn for the better and that everyone would be able to celebrate the fair, as they have done for nearly 70 years. However, the board noted that communities are experiencing spikes in new cases, or second waves, which is a major factor they have to consider before proceeding with the fair as normal. They noted that they do not want the fair to be the cause of another spike in the Kenai Peninsula, and expressed concern for all area communities, particularly in Ninilchik.
While this year’s fair is cancelled, the Kenai Peninsula Fair Rodeo that typically occurs independently in conjunction with the fair is still scheduled to take place. As there will still be that event, the Fair Board is considering moving forward with a food, craft, and art fair with outside-exclusive vending that would take place during what would have been the fair weekend of August 14 – 16.
The Fair Board advises folks to follow the Kenai Peninsula Fair Facebook, Instagram, and e-mail list to stay updated on further developments with the fair.