Hopes of the return of trade shows and similar events at the Western Fair District have been dashed, at least until June.
The Western Fair Association announced Tuesday that it is foregoing its winter and spring show season. The decision means there will be no London Wine and Food Show, London Farm Show, National Poultry Show, Speed and Custom Car Show, Home and Outdoor Show, or London Beer and BBQ show. Organizers of the LHBA Lifestyle Home Show, London RV Show, and London Boat Show have also cancelled their events.
The association cited the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and its rising case counts, public health measures, and the fact that the Western Fair Agriplex is still on standby as a site for a possible COVID-19 field hospital.
“The decision to cancel our owned and operated shows through the end of June reflects the current realities we are individually and collectively dealing with,” Western Fair Association CEO Reg Ash said in a statement released Tuesday. “The series of winter and spring events that our communities have supported for many years, and in some instances, decades are taking a break in 2021 for the health and safety of those very communities. We look forward to celebrating together when conditions permit.”
The statement from the WFA also noted its wish to acknowledge the communities it serves and those who have given the fair their support throughout the pandemic. It said those people are missed and the WFA looks forward to "brighter days ahead."