THUNDER BAY – COVID-19 concerns have cancelled the Hymers Fall Fair for a second year, with organizers announcing Monday the more than century-old Labour Day tradition will offer only online programming in 2021.
"In order to keep the health and safety of our volunteers, exhibitors, sponsors, vendors, and fair-goers first and foremost, the Hymers Agricultural Society’s board of directors has decided, for the second year in a row, to hold our beloved fall fair virtually," the organization said in a statement.
The two-day event has run almost without fail since 1912, pausing only between 1941 and 1945 during World War II, and now for the COVID-19 pandemic.
The event offers all the hallmarks of a classic country fair, with horse and cattle shows, pumpkin growing competitions, music, vendors, and other entertainment.
Organizers said they will work to bring as much of that experience as possible to life with videos and other content on its website.
"Now that we have a 'virtual' year under our belts, the board is working harder than ever to make this year’s 109th virtual Hymers fall fair even better," the society said.
