by Rachel Hunter

The Hammond Fair Association has decided to cancel the 2020 Hammond Fair amid the COVID-19 pandemic crisis. This year would have been the fair’s 81st anniversary.

The Hammond Fair Association announced the cancellation following considerable discussion, and the results of an interest survey by local 4-H and FFA members and their families. Fair Secretary Joan Hadlock said the Hammond Fair Association through the interest survey received about 50 percent positive and 50 percent negative responses about holding the 2020 Hammond Fair, and so after much discussion, it was decided to cancel the fair.

The Hammond Fair Association has announced that plans are underway for next year’s Hammond Fair which will be held at the fairgrounds in Hammond. Project that 4-H and FFA members were working on the be exhibited this year will be eligible at the 2021 Hammond Fair.

Started by a local agriculture teacher in the early 1900s, the Hammond Fair features the long tradition of developing local youth’s agricultural knowledge during the two-day country fair – featuring skills contests, livestock shows, vegetable and homemaking judging, and so much more. The youth assuredly will take the opportunity to fine-tune their skills and anticipate the Hammond Fair’s return in 2021!