Branch County Fair canceled

Officials from the Branch County Fair have announced the 2020 fair has been canceled.

Jan Murphy, fair manager, said cancellation was done in the best interest of the health and safety of everyone.

The Coldwater-based event had been set for Aug. 9-15.

Waiting any longer to make the decision would be potentially more damaging to youth summer projects and fair partners, the board stated in a letter.

Michigan State University Extension canceled 4-H fair participation in March, but the local board hoped to continue with a livestock program for the youth who put a year’s

worth of effort into their projects.

With the lost revenue, fair officials indicated the board may have to hold fundraisers to get ready for 2021.

In its 91-year history, the Branch County Fair was canceled only once before, in 1929.