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Officials with the Washington Parish Fair Association announced Monday that the annual free fair will be canceled in 2020, due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The fair had been scheduled for Oct. 21-25.

It is the latest blow to Bogalusa’s event calendar. A brand-new balloon festival scheduled for the summer, and the Bogalusa Blues & Heritage Festival in September, have already been canceled.

Officials announced the decision on the association’s Facebook page on Monday evening, saying the following:

“The Washington Parish Fair Officers, Board of Directors and Committee Chairmen have been monitoring the COVID-19 situation and its impact on our community and fair. The planning of the fair takes advance preparation coordinating numerous vendors, scheduling entertainment and hosting large crowds made up of both locals and guests from all over the country.

“We depend on community businesses for sponsorships to hold the fair and requesting such sponsorships during these challenging times does not seem appropriate.

“It is with deep sadness that we have made the decision to cancel the 109th Washington Parish Fair for 2020. This was a difficult decision not made in haste and is based on the current restrictions outlined by our state government as well as the uncertainty of what is to come in the next several months.

“The safety and well-being of our volunteers and visitors, as well as our ability to produce an event to the standards of our fair-goers are accustomed to and deserve can not be guaranteed.

“We thank everyone for their understanding and support during this difficult time. In the meantime, please mark you calendars for the ‘BIGGEST and BEST’ Washington Parish Fair EVER, celebrating our 110th Anniversary, on October 20-24, 2021.”