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North Thompson Fall Fair not cancelled… yet

North Thompson Fall Fair and Rodeo Association president Jill Hayward says the organization has been addressing the current Covid-19 situation in regards to the fairgrounds facility and the 71st annual North Thompson Fall Fair and BCRA Championship Finals Rodeo scheduled for Sept. 5-7.
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Fall Fair president Jill Hayward rides in a Fall Fair parade a few years ago with her husband Bob. (Star/Journal file photo)

North Thompson Fall Fair and Rodeo Association president Jill Hayward says the organization has been addressing the current Covid-19 situation in regards to the fairgrounds facility and the 71st annual North Thompson Fall Fair and BCRA Championship Finals Rodeo scheduled for Sept. 5-7.

“As of this time we have cancelled all events with over 50 attendees at the fairgrounds up to May 1, 2020,” said Hayward, “Some individuals are still using the Agriplex arena a few times a week for private riding, but these numbers are very low, and all touchpoints within the facility, including washrooms and gates are being sanitized before and after these small events.”

Asked if the annual Fall Fair and Rodeo will be cancelled, Hayward replied, “Our organization is continuing to move forward in a positive manner with all the planning needing to be done in regards to our September event. Being fully prepared to host the event is the only sensible plan to follow at this time, and it gives the community and businesses something to plan and look forward to as well. We definitely do not want to slack off and then find ourselves scrambling to present the event. We still have time for further discussion as the current Covid-19 situation changes, then decisions can be made later in the year as required.”

“We have already had to cancel events for March and April that would have brought in over $10,000 to the NTFFRA, as well as bring an economic boost to area businesses.

“This puts us in a tough position financially as our facility rentals are what we operate on and maintain the fairgrounds,” said Hayward.

However, everyone in business is in the same boat financially right now. Most importantly we want our community and its residents to be able to stay safe and recover quickly.”