PROSPECT — Despite reports last week the Big Butler Fair was holding firm and going on, the event's 15-member board of directors met Tuesday night to decide if the fair was definitely a go.

“We have to make our final decision,” said Harold Dunn, a Connoquenessing Township sheep farmer who is secretary of the board. “We can't wait anymore. We need six weeks' turnaround time to effectively have the fair,” said Dunn.

However, the fair board's vice president, Ben Roenigk, told the Eagle earlier this week the fair was definitely going on, expecting it would “be our best fair yet.”

Dunn said while the board, like Roenigk, was hopeful about the prospect of holding the 165th annual fair, the group had not met since February to discuss options and make a final decision. He added how time had run out for a wait-and-see stance during a time of social distancing and the COVID-19 pandemic.

The fair is scheduled to run from July 3 through July 11.

While the carnival entertainment was under contract, Dunn said a decision had to be made for preparations to begin, or not, on signing up livestock exhibitors and to begin work on the fair's premium book.

About 4,000 exhibitors were expected to attend the fair this year with various projects.

All livestock exhibitors must make advance entries and all livestock entries are due June 1.

Dunn said a final decision will be publically announced Wednesday.

The Eagle is following this story. Make sure to check back tomorrow for the fair board's final decision.