145th edition of Western Fair cancelled due to COVID-19

London's Western Fair, a staple in the city for more than 145 years, is cancelled this year, another casualty of the COVID-19 pandemic.

It was supposed to take place in September, and marks the unofficial start of the fall season in the region.

It's the first time since the Second World War that the fair has had to be cancelled. Most recently, it became the site of a COVID-19 field hospital.

"COVID-19 concerns and restrictions on mass gatherings remain in place for the foreseeable future," the fair's board of governors said in a statement.

"Western Fair is but one link in a chain of many large and small fairs across Canada who have had to make the same difficult decision to protect their communities."

The different fairs use the same game and ride vendors, who are also affected by the restrictions and closures.

"We knew we would have to make a decision sooner or later. Mass gatherings are restricted until phase three of the Province's reopening plan, and there is no certainty that we would reach that phase by September," said Reg Ash, the Western Fair Association CEO.

"The reality of impending timelines required to prepare for and create a 10-day event of this size, and the fact that the COVID-19 virus in our region have no foreseeable end date, it became apparent that it would not be possible to mount our annual signature event this September."

Fair officials are working on putting on a virtual fair, which will include online competitions, contests, agricultural education and entertainment.

"During its 152-year history, the fair has survived World Wars, economic catastrophes, and even pandemics. I have no doubt it will also outlast COVID-19, and return better than ever before in 2021," Mayor Ed Holder said in a statement.

More to come