NEW ULM — The Brown County Agricultural Society Board of Directors voted Wednesday to cancel the 2020 version of the Brown County Free Fair due to the COVID-19 virus. The fair was due to be held Aug. 12-16.

In a statement, Dan Kotten, president of the Ag Society, which puts on the fair, said the cancellation of the Minnesota State Fair, along with other fairs and festivals in the state, made it necessary for the Brown County Fair to be canceled as well.

“It was a difficult decision, but health, safety and financial stability is the top focus of the Board,” the statement said.

“We cannot enforce social distancing or restrict people coming in and out of the Fairgrounds,” said Kotten. “To limit seating at our grandstand events does not make financial sense.”

There may be a way for local 4-H members to show their animals and projects, event without the fair, said Kotten.

“We will work with 4H to see if they can show their animals and projects. It could be a virtual judging,” he said.

“We will be looking forward to 2021 fair.”