Benton County Fair canceled due to COVID-19 pandemic

The 2020 Benton County Fair became the latest event to cancel amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

The fair announced the news Wednesday. It had been scheduled for Aug. 4 through Aug. 9.

Amid the pandemic, organizers said the unknowns surrounding group gatherings, restrictions and required health protocols in the future made it apparent they wouldn’t be able to have a "normal fair" this year.

"The health and safety of our community, fair guest, volunteers, exhibitors and vendors is our top priority. We are extremely disappointed, but know that the right decision has been made based on the potential impossibility of monitoring and enforcing social distancing requirements, disinfecting and the inability to guarantee a safe community event as well as preserving the financial ability to present future fairs," a Facebook post said in part.

Next year’s fair is scheduled for Aug. 3 through Aug. 8, 2021.