On Thursday, Schuylkill County Fair officials announced that the "Frenzy at the Fair" wrestling event is cancelled for 2018.
According to Schuylkill County Fair Association President Paul Kennedy, "Due to circumstances beyond our control, we do not have an indoor backup for the Frenzy at the Fair this year. Because of this, we have been monitoring the weather forecast very closely and unfortunately it seems as Mother Nature is not willing to cooperate. The national weather service today issued a “Flash Flood Watch” through Friday, with the possibility of rain and thunderstorms today through Friday that may result in localized flooding. Even if these storms and showers were the stop Friday morning, it would not allow us the time needed to properly clean the area, move all the equipment, and set it up in a way that would ensure it would not be damaged. Electricity, wrestling mats, and water/mud, do not mix well. Due to these facts, we have decided to cancel this years Fair Frenzy Takedown Tournament. We will be issuing a refund to all registered and paid participants by Friday."
Kennedy added "You may ask why we have decided to take this action with 2 days until the event. Given the forecast, the saturated ground, and the travel time that some of those of you that have signed up will have to the venue, we felt that waiting would only prolong the inevitable, and this would give ample time for those signed up to make other plans if they wish.
We thank you very much for your interest in participating in this Tournament. Given the number participants last year, and the number we have signed up for this year, it is a Tournament we hope to continue in the years to come, just hopefully with better luck with the weather and/or a backup venue large enough to handle our wrestlers and spectators.
Please be sure to still make time to head down to the Official Sponsor of the Frenzy at the Fair, the Schuylkill County Fair! Without the backing of the Schuylkill County Fair, this tournament would not be possible."
We thank you very much for your interest in participating in this Tournament. Given the number participants last year, and the number we have signed up for this year, it is a Tournament we hope to continue in the years to come, just hopefully with better luck with the weather and/or a backup venue large enough to handle our wrestlers and spectators.
Please be sure to still make time to head down to the Official Sponsor of the Frenzy at the Fair, the Schuylkill County Fair! Without the backing of the Schuylkill County Fair, this tournament would not be possible."
The 2018 event would have been the second year for the high school wrestling take-down tournament. The entire event is held right on the fairgrounds track.