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COURTLAND

It’s official. The Franklin-Southampton County Fair will not be happening this year.

“With great disappointment and careful consideration, due to COVID-19 pandemic and the uncertainty of social distancing, the Franklin-Southampton County Fair Board has decided to cancel the annual Franklin-Southampton County Fair,” wrote board member Sandra Heeren in a media statement on Thursday.

This year’s event would have been the 40th annual fair, which was scheduled for Aug. 5-8.

“This decision was not easy to make,” Heeren continued. “The health, safety and financial stability of the fair, fairgoers, staff, concessionaires, sponsors, entertainers, vendors and others must be the top focus. This decision was made in the best interest of all involved.”

She later added that the cancellation includes the Miss Franklin-Southampton pageant.

Janet Joyner, who has been a major organizer of that event, confirmed the cancellation, and added that Alicia Marie Sickleton, who was chosen last year as the Fair Queen, will get to reign for another year. She’s also expected to represent at the state pageant in January.

The board intends to observe the “40th” at next year’s event, which is scheduled for Aug. 11-14, 2021.

“We plan to return bigger and better in 2021 with great entertainment for both main stage and grounds,” Heeren said. “Look for future events throughout the rest of 2020 and into 2021.”