CUMMINGTON — In place of the usual buzz of activity most summer weekends at the Cummington Fairgrounds, silence reigned last year, with all events canceled because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
“We did not even turn the water or the power on last year,” said Albert Judd, president of the board of directors of the Hillside Agricultural Society, which runs the fair.
Organizers have not determined whether the fair, currently scheduled for Aug. 26-29, will take place this year. However, five other events have tentative agreements with the society to be held on the fairgrounds this year.
“Everyone’s eager to do something this year,” said Judd. “They’re all ready to make changes if they need to, to make something happen.”
Kenneth “Trudge” Howes, another member of the board, expressed appreciation for the planned events.
“We’re fortunate that they want to run the summer events,” said Howes.
Judd noted that for an event to go forward it will have to either conform with the regulations of the COVID-19 reopening phase that is in effect, or modify itself to meet that. Events will also have to follow town guidelines.
“Things could change tomorrow,” said Judd. “I think everybody’s still cautiously planning.”
The first such event is a tractor ride and chicken barbecue on May 16, put on by the Hillside Agricultural Tractor and Engine Club. Then, on Memorial Day weekend, the Massachusetts Sheep & Woolcraft Fair is scheduled to be held.
The next event is the ox drive for the Association of New England Ox Teamsters, the group’s annual event, on July 16, 17 and 18.
“They travel from all over New England to come,” Judd said.
However, he also said that while the event is open to the public it’s mostly attended by people in the ox teamsters community.
“I expect that one to fall under the guidelines without a lot of modifications,” Judd said.
One of the historically biggest events now scheduled for the fairgrounds this year is the Massachusetts Renaissance Faire, set to take place Aug. 7 and 8. However, Judd said the fair’s organizers already have plans to modify the event if needed.
Finally, the Hampshire County 4-H Fair is scheduled for Aug. 14, where 4-H members will come and display their projects. However, Judd said that the event is expected to be mostly 4-H children and their families.
The Cummington Fair was canceled last year after 151 years of annual events by the Hillside Agricultural Society the board of directors, after it was determined that it could not be held safely.
“It was a very tough decision for our board to make,” Judd said.
Judd said that whether or not the fair will be held is going to be determined by state and town regulations, as well as what the board is comfortable with.
“We’re always planning, but we’re just not sure what to plan for,” said Judd.
Howes said that because no events were held last year, costing the society money, the board of directors doesn’t want to go overboard on spending. However, he said that the society wasn’t forced to borrow money because of this and the fair isn’t in danger of shutting down.
“We are very fortunate,” said Judd, who noted that the cancellation hurt those whose businesses rely on the fair more.
Bera Dunau can be reached at bdunau@gazettenet.com.