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Date: 7/6/2021
CUMMINGTON – After canceling the annual fair in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Cummington Fair organizers announced it would be returning from Aug. 26 to 29.
Albert Judd, president of the Cummington Fair, said he is excited to have the fair return in 2021.
“For me it is good, it is exciting and it is just good news in terms of things heading back to normal,” he said.
Judd said online tickets go on sale on July 12 and tickets will also be available at the gate.
“Our online presale tickets go on sale on July 12. The ticket price at the gate is $12, but with the fees for the online tickets it comes out a little different for those,” he said.
He added that they will also offer reduced rates for seniors, military and children throughout the weekend.
Currently Judd said there will be minimal COVID-19 restrictions for the fair but that could be altered based on the guidance available at the time of the fair.
“As of right now there will be minimal restrictions, most of those are probably going to revolve around the indoor areas like our main exhibit halls where people are closer together. Masks may be recommended for those that feel they need them, it depends on where things are locally or with state regulations,” he said.
Judd added that he is working with volunteers to determine what they feel comfortable with in terms of COVID-19 protocols.
“We are talking to our own people that are volunteers or helpers to see what we can do to keep them comfortable or safe in their jobs. And if we have some people that went to sit out this year and come back next year, we totally understand,” he said.
After a year off, Judd said many of the vendors are itching to come back for the fair.
“Most everybody was ready to get back to work after being off for a year, especially food vendors and such. We have a lot of returning vendors that have been there whether it is food or crafts, people out on the grounds. They all have a long running relationship with the fair,” he said.
Like the volunteers, Judd said the fair will reserve spaces for vendors to come back next year if they do not feel comfortable participating in this year’s fair.
“A lot of them are ready to get going but some are skeptical, and we told vendors if they do not want to come this year we totally understand and will save their spot for next year,” Judd said.
While the fair will be back in full swing, Judd said he does not expect to see the same amount of people as a normal year.
“I do not think we will get 100 percent of what we normally get, but maybe a solid 75 percent or 80 percent. I am going by the fact of watching other events like baseball where they are not full capacity every night, but people are still definitely coming out,” he said.
Judd added that they may add a few special events to celebrate the fair’s return after a year away.
“We may try to do a couple things special to celebrate being able to reopen but that is to be determined yet. I would say to people to keep an eye on the website and social media, there are announcements to come,” he said.
For more information on events at the fair and to purchase tickets online, visit www.cummingtonfair.com.