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BERRIEN SPRINGS — The Berrien County Youth Fair will have to wait one more year to celebrate its 75th anniversary, as the fair board officially decided to postpone the event to 2021.

In a letter posted to the fair’s Facebook page Thursday evening, secretary and fair manager Karen Klug announced that the youth fair, which typically draws thousands to Berrien Springs each August, will not be hosted this year due to concerns related to coronavirus.

The fair, which would have celebrated 75 years this August, was slated for Aug. 15 to 23. Exhibitors ages 5 to 20 from all over Berrien County train animals, work on projects and practice skills year round to prepare for the annual fair.

“…the Board of Directors and volunteers are planning a showcase and exhibition for the youth this summer,” Klug wrote. “Slated for Aug. 15 to 23, the ‘Berrien County Showcase — Where Youth are Essential’ will allow the fair to showcase the exhibits of our county’s youth in a different format and still comply with the current executive orders.”

Much like the exhibitions at the fair, youth will be able to register for various categories and show off the work put in since last year’s fair. However, no premiums will be paid, no ribbons will be awarded and the public will not be allowed to attend.

“Throughout the years, the youth of Berrien County have and always will be the passion of the board of directors and all the volunteers that make the annual BCYF happen,” Klug wrote. “The decision was not made in haste. Many months of sleepless nights went into this decision and the board feels will ultimately protect the health of our exhibitors and fairgoers.”

Following the example of fair’s across the country, BCYF has planned special events to help the vendors who typically sell food at fairs throughout the summer. The Berrien County Youth Fair will host a Father’s Day Weekend Concession Drive Thru on the fairgrounds, 9122 U.S. Hwy. 31, Berrien Springs, from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday.