Meramec Community Fair Expected To Make Decision This Week

The state of the 34th annual Meramec Community Fair, scheduled for June 23-27, remains undetermined at press time, however the fair board is expected to make a decision as soon as this week.

According to Meramec Community Fair Board President James Bartle, the fair board is in a very tough position with the COVID-19 pandemic and uncertainty for what lies ahead with the state of Missouri’s orders.

“This has turned into a very difficult decision and position for the Meramec Community Fair Board as we just don’t know what is going to happen with the state order set to expire May 31, 2020 and whether they will be extended, ended or just what is going to happen,” said Bartle. “We have $170,000 to $190,000 that hangs in the balance with no clear solutions.”

Bartle reported that the country seems to be divided on the issues at hand and what is the solution.

“I have been in constant contact with city officials , two different counties’ officials and state officials trying to determine what we can do,” said Bartle. “While we would all like to see the fair happen in 2020, what is going to be the outcome? Will sponsors still be able to contribute sponsorship money to the fair which helps offset expenses? Will spectators have the funds and feel safe to attend the event? What orders may still be in place such as six-foot social distancing? Will we see an increase in attendance with many people coming from outside of our town to attend since there is a lack of entertainment going on anywhere? Will there be enough volunteers to help work the event? Will food vendors be able to get product for their stands? It, again, is a very complex issue that isn’t just simply have the fair or do not have the fair.”

Bartle stated that fair board met last week and is meeting again this week to determine what direction to move forward with.

“I hope that we can come to some decision this week. We were hoping for some more guidance from various political offices on the event but they also are trying to determine what is going to happen after May 31,” said Bartle. “The problem with the fair board waiting to end of May for direction is that we have funds that have to be committed to begin advertising and securing items for the fair and we also have contractural obligations we have to review. So again, we hope to have some decision soon. We know that the Franklin County Youth Fair, held in early June and New Haven Youth Fair, held in July, have both been canceled.”