BUFFALO, N.Y. (WBEN) – Organizers of the Erie County Fair are hopeful that they'll run the event from August 11-22, but despite Governor Andrew Cuomo's comments earlier Monday that the New York State Fair would run, there's still been no communication for county fairs.
"I'm not 100% certain that that announcement pertains to the county fairs in New York State as not one word of the press conference made mention of them," Jessica Underberg, CEO of the Erie County Agricultural Society, said. "I am hoping this is addressed in the very near future."
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The clock is ticking for county fairs. The first of the summer fairs will begin in July with Allegany, Chautauqua, and Genesee Counties. Cattaraugus, Niagara, Wyoming, and the Erie County Fairs all run during August.
Underberg said they've been asked by the public to simply run an event without guidance, but she explained that's not possible because they have to legally obtain permits for public gatherings, food vendors, and other permits.
"It behooves each county to work with their local health departments regarding the reopening of fairs once the guidance has been released," Underberg said.
Underberg said she is hopeful to hear guidance by the end of the week. Last year, the Erie County Fair was postponed in late-May. Underberg did not want to give a "cut-off" date because she feels they are close to getting that guidance.
"We want to have a fair," she said.
Erie County Fair. 2017 PhotoWBEN/Mike Baggerman
Fair organizers have been in contact with vendors, but few plans are set in stone as they await the guidance.
