Pierce County Fair Will Be Online-Only This Year

PIERCE COUNTY — Pierce County and the Pierce County Fair Association announced Friday that they have decided to cancel the 2020 Pierce County Fair's in-person events, and replace them with a virtual fair held online.

The fair had been scheduled for August 6 through 9 at Frontier Park in Graham. Organizers say they know its a disappointment, but that the move was necessary to make sure everyone was safe during the coronavirus pandemic.

“We know how much the community enjoys and values the Fair and we will be working diligently to create an experience everyone can enjoy,” Pierce County Fair Manager Shelly Bennet said in a statement. “We are researching virtual fair options in order to move forward in showcasing and celebrating the Pierce County community and its youth.”

Organizers say they are trying to find ways for the new virtual fair to include vendors, sponsors and community members just like the regular fair would.

“While we wish we could go ahead with the usual sights, smells and excitement of the Pierce County Fair, we have been working with 4-H and other fairs around the state to develop virtual, web-based alternatives,” Bennet said. “Our hearts go out to those who depend on the Fair for their livelihood and we are looking for ways the community can show their support to our vendors, sponsors, entertainers and others who have been impacted.”

In particular, fair organizers say they are looking for a way for 4-H kids to show off their animals and other projects in a way that is safe.

The county says fair-goers should expect more information on the virtual event on the fair's social media pages over the coming weeks.