by Rachel Heitzenrater [email protected] TROY — Residents of Bradford County have been left wondering if there will be a Troy Fair this month. It was just announced last Friday that due to COVID-19 restrictions, there will not be a 2020 Troy Fair. “It was so heartbreaking for the fair board to have to cancel the 2020 fair, said board president Cathy Jenkins. “We have been planning for a year now and we had some great entertainment and events lined up. |
“In the past four weeks, we have been working to find a way to have the fair safely with the COVID-19 guidelines,” said Jenkins. “We have been in contact with everyone from the state police, district attorney, commissioners, attorneys, other fairs, Dept. of Agricultural (which stated we were legal to open with guidelines) and many others in hope that we could find the answers to proceed to the fair.”
Jenkins says that due to restrictions Gov. Wolf has put on the “green phase” of dealing with COVID for the entire state, the Troy Fair Board did not feel comfortable holding an event that could draw crowds past the 250 people limit.
“We felt that we had the answers and was in the process of putting together the safety plan for the fair. Unfortunately, the fair grounds are owned by the Troy Borough Municipal Authority and they have a lease with Alparon Park that states we can not hold any events that are illegal,” said Jenkins, “They felt that under the Governor’s rules it would be illegal for us to open.”
A statement from Dan Close, manager of Troy Borough released the following:
“The Troy Municipal Authority did not make the decision to cancel the 2020 Troy Fair. That decision was made by the governor`s executive order restricting events in the Commonwealth. That order, which carries the same legal authority as law, in combination with the terms of the lease agreement with Alparon Park, make it illegal to hold the 2020 Troy Fair at Alparon Park at this time. The Municipal Authority is a government entity which is bound to its duty to operate within the laws and status of governance. Counsel, both internal and outside, have advised the Authority that any violation of the law would potentially place officers and directors into a position of vulnerability.
The Municipal Authority is well aware of the unfortunate loss across the entire community caused by the Covid-19 pandemic, and in particular, the extraordinary efforts of everyone committed to Alparon Park and the Troy Fair. Regrettably, the Municipal Authority had and has one option, and that is to operate legally.”
Refunds will be available to those who have already purchased. For people who have purchased with cash or checks, email [email protected] for a refund. Credit card purchases will be receive an email from etix. Refunds will be available until July 14. After that date, the tickets will be used for next year’s fair. The board thanks the public for their cooperation and apologizes for the inconvenience.
“The heartbreak isn’t just because of the planning, it’s so sad to think of the fair not happening this year it’s about the kids that raised their project animals in hope to show them or sell them at the fair and then the chance to be with their friends and family and enjoy the rides, games, and food,” said Jenkins. “They have missed so much this year with the virus closing the schools and keeping them home.”
Jenkins also reflected on the financial loss this has to the Troy community, Alparon Park and its maintenance, the local vendors who profit from the fair, and the local farmers as well.
“The fair has a huge impact on Bradford County businesses, as the vendors come in to town they buy groceries, gas, items at the hardware stores, the meat plant, the dollar stores, they dine out in town the weekend before the fair. It’s not only the vendors but the patrons coming to the fair, they stop in to get gas, drinks, food, stay at the B&B’s and motels. Then we hire a lot of staff for a week or two, we purchase supplies from many local business, we spend money on advertising, and place entertainers in hotels in the area. The list could go on and on. The financial impact is huge,” said Jenkins.
Though Bradford County residents cannot enjoy a fair this year, there will be one in 2021 to look forward to. For more updates on the fair, go to their Facebook page at: www.facebook.com/TroyFair.
“I personally want to thank the Troy Fair Board of directors for going above and beyond to work through this tough time, they reflect the International fair theme for 2020 FAIRSTRONG! Also a special thank you to Representative Clint Owlett and Eric Winters from the Prince Law Firm, and Doug McClinko for helping us all the way,” said Jenkins.