PETALUMA, Calif. – The Sonoma-Marin Fair, 4th District Agricultural Association Board of Directors announced the fair’s cancellation following an emergency board meeting held virtually on Friday.

“We hoped that as the shelter in place deadline of May 3 approached, we would be able to move forward with our fair. We explored all the options, but we understand that this is the right decision for the safety and well-being of our community,” Sonoma-Marin Fair CEO Allison Keaney said.

The Sonoma-Marin Fair previously scheduled to run the last week in June is a cherished community event known for its popular music lineup and is home to the World’s Ugliest Dog Contest. This is the first time in decades that the fair will not be open to the public.

“Fairs represent an important celebration of community,” said Keaney. “COVID-19 has changed how we are able to stay connected, and we are working on finding a way to adapt.”

The Sonoma-Marin Fair gives out nearly $35k in scholarships and awards each year. This year the fair board and staff are trying to find a way to continue that tradition.

Fair officials are encouraging exhibitors to stay connected as they work through the details of offering a virtual fair for livestock exhibitors, still exhibitors, and the community at large.

“It is our mission to showcase agriculture and the unique talents and interests of the residents of Marin and Sonoma counties. We are a wonderfully diverse community with so much talent. It is important that we find a way to showcase this, even if it’s online,” said Keaney.

Like many other local fairs, the Sonoma-Marin Fair is concerned about preserving and honoring the hard work of our youth in agriculture. These exhibitors spend all year caring for their livestock with the hopes of obtaining scholarships and prize money earmarked mostly for education.

“These are uncertain times, but we are armed with perseverance and ingenuity,” said Keaney. “The heart of a fair is its community and ours is beating strong.”