PRINCETON - Due to the evolving COVID-19 situation and its impact on community health and well-being, the 2020 Bureau County Fair has been canceled.

The Bureau County Fair Board began planning the 2020 Bureau County Fair just days after the 2019 fair concluded last August. “The Fair Board and I have spent many hours and resources to ensure that the 2020 Bureau County Fair would be the high quality fair our communities have come to expect. However, the safety and health of our volunteers and fairgoers is our top priority,” said Fair Board President Kyle Burrows.

For the last several months, the Bureau County Fair Board spent significant time carefully considering all options regarding the 2020 Bureau County Fair. The board collaborated with the Bureau County Health Department, Bureau County Emergency Management Association, North American Midway Entertainment, local officials, as well as fair vendors and partners. “The decision to cancel the fair was not made lightly, and we join those who are disappointed and saddened by the cancellation of the 165th annual Bureau County Fair,” Burrows said. “This is only the second time in the 165-year history of the fair that it was cancelled, which only happened in 1862 for the Civil War.”

The cancelation includes all fair events including the Bureau County Fair Queen Pageants. All other non-fair events scheduled at the fairgrounds have been canceled or postponed until it is deemed safe to host large gatherings. Please watch the fair website at www.bureaucountyfair.com for schedule changes.

The fair board noted that planning for the 2021 Bureau County Fair is well underway. Next year, the 166th Bureau County Fair will be held Aug. 25-29, 2021. The previously scheduled Martina McBride concert has been rescheduled for Thursday, Aug. 26, 2021. Tickets previously purchased will be honored for the rescheduled concert. Additional information can be found at www.bureaucountyfair.com.

North American Midway Entertainment will return for the 2021 fair. Pat Repp, General Manager North American Midway Entertainment has been working closely with the fair board. “We look forward to coming back to Princeton for the 2021 fair and are currently working to bring new and bigger rides next year to Princeton,” Repp said.

The fair board is currently reviewing options for some events to be held during the off season. Additional information on rescheduled events and changes will be posted at www.bureaucountyfair.com.

The Bureau County Fair Board wishes to thank the community for 165 years of support. Due to the generosity of fair partners, volunteers, and sponsors, they are able to continue to produce the annual Bureau County Fair, which to many is the best week of the summer. Due to the current state of the economy, the Bureau County Fair will not hold their annual sponsorship campaign. However, anyone who would like to make a donation of financial support to the fair during these challenging times can mail donations to: Bureau County Fair, P.O. Box 238, Princeton, IL 61356. The Bureau County Fair Foundation is a 501 (c)(3) non-profit organization and all donations are tax deductible in accordance with IRS regulations.

“We anticipate many changes ahead, but we are looking forward to working together with our community to ensure the 166th annual Bureau County Fair will be the best yet. We look forward to better days when we can gather again and celebrate all that is exceptional about Bureau County,” Burrows said. “Until then, stay safe, be well and support each other. We will miss you. Thank you again for your continued support.”