To the Sussex County Community,
We hope that you and your families are safe and healthy. It seems a bit frivolous to talk about a Fair when so many are suffering in so many ways. We join you in hoping that things change soon and in our gratitude for all the brave front line workers that have been putting themselves in danger to help the rest of us.
For those that are wondering, we don’t know if there will be a Fair this year. We can’t know what the situation with Covid-19 will be at the beginning of August. Much of the planning is already done, but everything is on hold while we take care of more important things. A decision on the Fair will be made by the beginning of June and will depend on whether or not we’re allowed to have large gatherings. Many have asked if we can postpone the Fair. Unfortunately, this is not an option, as schedules for our vendors and entertainers are set well in advance.
Rumors are circulating that the Fair has told 4-H that they are not welcome at the Fair. Nothing could be further from the truth. The Fair depends on 4-H and 4-H families for so many agricultural and educational exhibits. Rutgers Cooperative Extension directs the 4-H program in NJ and at this time, has stated that there can be no in person 4-H events until the end of August. We hope Rutgers will re-evaluate this decision if the health crisis subsides.
Finally, the Sussex County Fairgrounds and the Sussex County Farm and Horse Show/NJ State Fair are having the same sort of financial difficulties that you and your family are. We depend on our off-season events and weddings to pay the bills. We are not funded by the County or State, but are a private 501c3 non-profit. This crisis has been as financially disastrous for us as it probably has been for you. At this time, the Fairgrounds is closed. If you would like reliable and quick information about the Fair or the Fairgrounds, please visit our website, Njstatefair.com or our Facebook page at TheSussexCountyFairgrounds.
We wish you all good health and peace during these unprecedented times. We look forward, with you, to better days ahead when we can all celebrate and be together.
Joan Snook Smith, President
Sussex County Farm and Horse Show/NJ State Fair