Association Secretary Lecia Dodd said poor attendance has hurt the fair’s finances. She described turnout this year as “horrible,” saying larger fair operators do not come because they consider the county too small. The association has too little money left to begin planning next year’s event, she said, leaving the 2027 fair in question.

A notice from the fair board outlined a planned vote on shutting down the association. A financial proposal tied to the notice called for selling the fairgrounds and other assets at auction. But a board member said the dissolution proposal originated with one board member and that the board has not approved a sale. Any property sale would require a board vote, the member said.

The board meeting scheduled for Tuesday was canceled before a vote could take place. Dodd said members had not had an opportunity to meet and discuss the proposal. The cancellation was attributed to health emergencies, and another meeting is planned for November.

Neighbors opposed to a possible sale have enlisted attorney Marian Fordyce, who sent a cease-and-desist letter seeking to stop the vote. Fordyce said her clients want to preserve the fairgrounds and are willing to help develop a future for the property. She said they hope to resolve the dispute without further legal action, though they are prepared to proceed if needed.

The proposal has not resulted in a decision about the fairgrounds. The next board meeting will give community members another opportunity to raise concerns as the association weighs its financial future.