BEDFORD COUNTY, Va. (WFXR) – The Bedford County Board of Supervisors has concluded that the Bedford County Fair will no longer be allowed on county property for future events.
Fair organizers said they are still committed and working to find a new location to make the event possible for 2025.
In a statement released on social media, the Bedford County Fair said,
“We are heartbroken to share that after an incredibly successful return of the 2024 Fair, the Bedford County Board of Supervisors has decided not to allow the Bedford County Fair on county property moving forward. When we asked for an explanation to this decision, the fair board was told the 2024 fair was a success with no complaints, but no further reason was given leaving us perplexed.
The Bedford County Fair is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) founded at the Board of Supervisors request in 2016. Run entirely by volunteers and funded through local sponsorships, we partnered with the county in 2022 to establish a long-term, publicly owned home where the fair could grow and better serve the community. This decision by the Supervisors ended that partnership and was made without input or dialogue from the fair board, volunteers, or the community behind closed doors.
Despite this setback, the fair board remains committed to bringing you a 2025 Bedford Fair. We are actively exploring partnerships with public and private sectors to secure a new location and partnership in order to continue this cherished tradition that celebrates Bedford’s community spirit, supports the local economy, and creates lasting memories for families. We are grateful for the inquiries we’ve already received and will continue accepting proposals until January 10, 2025.
We also remain open to future partnerships with the Bedford County Board of Supervisors. If the county fair is important to you as a citizen, we encourage you to share your support of the fair with the Board of Supervisors. While the fair board was denied the opportunity to address the Supervisors as an organization, fair leaders will share their thoughts as citizens during public comment. We invite you to join us at their meeting on Monday, December 9, to share your voice during public comment.
Thank you for your continued support. Together, we can ensure that a Fair remains a vibrant part of our community.
– The Bedford County Fair Board”