Coronavirus: Organizers cancel 2020 Ohio State Fair

COLUMBUS — The 2020 Ohio State Fair in Columbus has been cancelled with organizers citing concerns for public health and financial feasibility with social distancing protocols in place, according to the Ohio Expositions Commission.

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“After careful thought and deliberation, we have decided to cancel the Ohio State Fair. Knowing how easily the virus spreads in large groups, we believe it is the safest path forward for the health and safety of all Ohioans,” Andy Doehrel, chair of the Ohio Expositions Commission said in a media release Thursday.

"The financial ramifications of hosting a reduced-capacity Fair would be too great, and we need to protect the Ohio State Fair for future generations.”

The fair was scheduled to run July 29 through August 9 at the Ohio Expo Center and State Fairgrounds in Columbus. Last year the fair brought 934,925 to the state’s capital over 12 days.

“Instead of coming together in person, we’ll celebrate agriculture and our great state at a distance, with a collection of educational digital content and sharing some of your favorite memories on social media,” organizers said in a social media post.

The Ohio Expositions Commission said their focus is to develop a strategy to responsibly reopen year-round facilities and be ready for guests for the 2021 Ohio State Fair.

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