MOUNDSVILLE — Less than a week before the Marshall County Fair was set to open, its organizers received the heartbreaking news that they would have to cancel.

Gov. Jim Justice announced an order Monday limiting the gatherings at events to no more than 25 people and canceling all fairs, concerts and festivals in the state.

Upon learning the news, fair organizers in Marshall County were scrambling Monday afternoon to cancel vendors and inform people that what was supposed to be the 72nd annual fair would not go on as expected next week.

Fair treasurer Paul Garey said it was devastating news for the fair board and its organizers.

“That’s for sure,” he said. “They said shut down, so we have to shut down. We didn’t have a choice. No other options.”

He said organizers are not exploring options to hold the event virtually or in an other capacity.

“Right now, we’re just canceling everything. After that we don’t know,” Garey said. “Hopefully it clears up before next year.”

Organizers did not immediately know what financial issues might arise from the last-minute cancellation with musical performers and other vendors.

Officials with the Marshall County Extension Service that oversees the county’s 4-H Club said they had no comment on the fair’s cancellation.

The fair was scheduled to begin this Sunday and continue through Saturday, July 25.