HUNTINGDON VALLEY, Pa. (CBS) – The June 2024 Fair and Horse and Pony Show have been canceled after Upper Moreland Township in Montgomery County, Pennsylvania, denied permits, citing safety and security concerns associated with local events, according to the Women’s Board of Directors Abington Health Foundation.
Fair organizers said they were trying to address township concerns by eliminating evening hours, eliminating “thrill-seeking rides,” installing gun detection screening systems and increasing security. Still, the municipality decided to refuse their permit.
“For the past 111 years, the Abington Health Foundation Women’s Board has worked hard to make this family-friendly event possible for our community,” the AHF Women’s Board said in a statement. “While we are incredibly disappointed that the June Fete Fair and Horse and Pony Show will not take place this year, we respect the Township’s decision and take the safety and security of our community very seriously as it is our top priority.”
In a statement, Upper Moreland Township said the decision to deny the permits was “the collective opinion of our public safety officials that while the additional safety measures proposed in the revised permit application were appreciated, the high risk of safety and security issues keeps existing. “
The municipality cited safety problems at other events, including fights, assaults, robberies and gun violence.
The cancellation comes weeks after safety concerns canceled the Exton Square Mall Spring Carnival in Chester County. The municipality has withdrawn the measure permit for carnival company after West Whiteland police said a large group of people created an “unsafe environment” for those in attendance.
The June Fete Fair and Horse and Pony Show were scheduled for the weekend of June 7 in Huntingdon Valley. The fair and horse and pony show started in 1913.
The annual fair raises money for Jefferson Abington Hospital. According to the website, the event raised $107,000 for the hospital in 2023.
