The Wayne County Fair’s board of directors said Thursday they will move ahead with planning this year’s summer event.

The 159th Wayne County Fair is scheduled for Aug. 6-14 at the Wayne County Fairgrounds, 270 Miller Drive, Dyberry Twp. The state Department of Health’s COVID-19 mitigation guidelines, which currently limit outdoor events to 50% of maximum occupancy, apply.

The board said they hope patrons, vendors, entertainers and others who attend “can safely continue the nearly 160-year tradition,” according to a news release. They are optimistic that vaccination efforts throughout the region will allow the fair to take place.

The 158th Wayne County Fair was one of several annual summer fairs in Northeast Pennsylvania canceled in 2020 because of the coronavirus pandemic.

— JOSEPH KOHUT