HARRISBURG — Department of Agriculture Secretary Dennis Wolff today said the cancellation of the Mount Nebo Grange Fair in Ohio Township, Allegheny County, is a sign of things to come should Senate Bill 850, the Senate-passed budget plan, be enacted.

Wolff said the Senate plan, which eliminates state fair funding, would be devastating to county and community fairs across the state.

"Fairs are an important part of our agricultural heritage, bringing an estimated 6 million visitors face to face with agriculture in their communities each year," said Wolff. "Many fairs rely on state funding to operate. Unfortunately, with this funding in jeopardy, some fairs may not be able to function this year at all."

For 38 years, the Mount Nebo Grange Fair has featured poultry and eggs, vegetables, fruits, baked goods, art, antique farm equipment exhibits and more on 1 acre of property near Sewickley. Admission to the three-day fair was free.

Because the fair has no reserve budget, the possibility of zero state funding forced organizers to cancel this year's event, he said.

Wolff said the budget proposed by Governor Edward G. Rendell, in contrast to the Senate plan, would continue to make investments in agriculture, including the fairs. The Governor's proposed budget includes $2 million in state funding for fairs.

By The Associated Press