Dragon boat racing is one of the most popular attractions at the annual Asian Festival. PHOTO COURTESY OF ANDREA LEE

July 10. By Dave Yochum. Due to the ongoing effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, two more major events have been cancelled.

The Asian Festival and Dragon Boat Festival, which bring awareness to the culture, traditions, and history of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders, was originally scheduled for May and then moved to Oct. 17. Organizer John Chen said there were just “too many unknowns” to hold the popular event when the pandemic is still ongoing.

The event features dragon boat races and a wide array of food booths at Ramsey Creek Park every year.

Next year’s event is planned for Saturday, May 15.

Cabarrus County cancels fair

In Concord, the 2020 Cabarrus County Fair, scheduled for Sept. 11-19, has also been cancelled.

This is the first cancelation since the fair began in 1953.

Officials made the “difficult decision” in consultation with public health and emergency management officials.

The fair is the largest annual event held at the County’s Arena and Events Center with as many as 80,000 people attending over a nine-day span.

It includes more than 2,000 livestock entries, 175 exhibit booths, 50 food vendors, 40 rides, 35 games and dozens of novelty vendors and entertainers.

The Cabarrus County Fair requires more than a year of planning by staff, volunteers and partners.

Cabarrus County Fair Director Kate Sharpe said it was not feasible to hold the fair given the need for social distancing, temperature checks, proper use of face coverings and sanitation among guests and staff.