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There were, no doubt, many who were surprised this week to learn the Hancock County Old Time Fair would not be held this year.
Members of the fair board noted a lack of interest in their decision to cancel the annual event, which would have taken place in mid September at Tomlinson Run State Park.
The fair wasn't like most of the ones we see these days. It didn't go for big, flashy rides, mud bogs or demolition derbies. It didn't bring in nationally known musical groups or large, commercial food vendors.
The Hancock County Old Time Fair took a more simplistic approach, focusing on showcasing the area. The vendors, whether offering food, crafts, candy or hand-made items, were local. Music was provided by local bands. There were pie-eating contests, car shows and games for all.
Admittedly, a larger focus on agriculture was diminished many years ago, in part, as a result of the H1N1 pandemic in 2009 which saw organizers opt to not hold any of the traditional animal showings and competitions. The Barnyard Olympics and tractor obstacle course remained, along with exhibits from the WVU Extension and the Community Educational Outreach Service which helped to remind visitors of the fair's connections to local agriculture and history.
County fairs, as with any event, take a great deal of work to put together, and we offer our thanks to the members of the Fair Board for keeping the spirit of the fair alive despite the various challenges over the years.
Our hope is this doesn't truly end up being the end for the county fair, and one day there is an effort to breathe new life into this event which has been a part of Hancock County's community, in one way or another, for close to 100 years.