COVID-19 restrictions that are set to ease across the province next Monday won’t loosen enough for the 2022 London Farm Show to go ahead.
The Western Fair Association announced the cancellation of this year’s spring event on Monday.
“It is never easy to make these decisions, and we appreciate the understanding of our exhibitors, sponsors, and attendees as we navigate yet another year inside a pandemic.” said Association CEO Reg Ash. “We thank our staff for the time committed to prepare for this much anticipated show and for the continued loyalty, kindness and understanding, during these times, of all who participate and support the event.”
The association said the public safety measures that will remain in place after January 31 and the extended operation of the mass vaccination clinic at the Agriplex posed a “very tight timeline” to host the farm show this year. Show exhibitors, sponsors, and attendees all provided feedback that ultimately led to the cancellation of this year’s show.
At this point, there are no plans to move the show online. Instead, organizers will focus their efforts on planning for the return of the London Farm show in March of 2023.
This is the second consecutive year the pandemic has forced the cancellation of the annual spring event.
“We are so disappointed to be in the same situation as last year, but we are eagerly anticipating next year for good reason,” said Bridget Mahon, the Western Fair’s manager of agriculture events. “So many we spoke to as we evaluated our options, expressed how excited they had been for the show’s return and in the same breath, their disappointment that they would not be able to attend this year. We hope with that same anticipation we see every farmer in Southwestern Ontario at the show in 2023.”
While the show won’t go one, there are plans for a special snack box that will be available for purchase during the spring planting season. The boxes will contain locally-sourced treats including nuts, cookies, craft beer, and beef jerky. They will go on sale in early March at www.londonfarmshow.com.
