Carp Fair 2020 a COVID-19 casualty

CARP – West Carleton’s biggest annual party is the latest event to be tackled by COVID-19.

The Carp Fair will not go ahead this September.

“The pandemic from COVID-19 has stopped the world from performing its normal routine,” the Carp Agricultural Society released in a statement today (June 16). “We are sad that its reach has touched our fair now as well. For the first time in memory the Carp Fair will not be the experience we have all known it to be. We will have to postpone the fun and exciting extravaganza we have the fourth weekend in September until Sept. 23 to Sept. 26, 2021 and replace it with what we can do keeping the volunteer and public safety top of mind.”

The Carp Fair regularly attracts 40,000 to 60,000 people during its four-day run over the last weekend of September. It has faced numerous challenges over the last several years. In 2018, a tornado tore a path through West Carleton on the Friday of the fair. While the fair was unharmed by the tornado, the heart of the community just wasn’t in to celebrating that year and attendance suffered. In 2019 a major Carp Fair fundraiser, the annual Carp Fair Tractor and Truck Pull had to be cancelled just days before the event due to torrential spring rain that would eventually flood a great portion of the West Carleton community. This year, two of the Carp Fair’s popular four-tournament euchre series was also cancelled due to the pandemic. It is assumed this year’s tractor pull will also be cancelled.

“So, what can we do this year?” the board said. “We can help support the 4-H groups. The future of our industry and culture. We can show our appreciation to our supporters for their contributions in the past. We can show our community spirit during the week of the fair. How we will do these items has yet to be settled. We are continuing to adapt to new rules and listen to how governments want us to manage their restrictions. We will carry on this year to the best of our ability with safety in our forethought. Most importantly we will look forward to seeing you all next year at our Carp Fair.”

To see the full statement by the Carp Agricultural Society, click here.