Are You Experiencing Erie County Fair Withdrawal

So it's August in Western New York...but it feels different...something is missing. For only the second time ever, there is no Erie County Fair according to WKBW-TV.

"Gosh, it's strange, it's really strange," said Jessica Underberg, CEO of the Fairgrounds.

The Hamburg fairgrounds today would in a normal year be full of vendors and rides preparing for fair-goers and today, Wednesday, August 12 would be opening day.

Traditionally the Erie County Fair, the second largest in the state brings thousands of people for the rides, entertainment, and best of all FAIR food.

If you are feeling the Fair's absence think of the would-be vendors and for all those who work the fair as well.

"We feel it too, we feel your pain. A friend of mine described it as like grief. Missing out on opportunity for revenue, keeping businesses afloat, having fun," said Underberg.

To make up in part for the postponement of the Fair there will be a food drive and fireworks drive-in on August 15 called Blast Out Hunger.

"In 2019, a record 52,968 lbs of food items was donated by the community. Since the 2020 Erie County Fair will not be happening, and with the current state of increased need, we decided to partner once again with FeedMore WNY by combining a food drive with the time-honored tradition of fireworks at the Fairgrounds,” said Underberg.

We may be missing "the 12 best days of summer", but hopefully next year will bring the normalcy so many of us are missing.

Fair officials say those with 12-day passes have until September 1 to get a refund.