The Texas State Fair Has Been Canceled For The First Time Since World War II
The 2020 State Fair of Texas has been canceled amid the continuation of the COVID-19 pandemic. This is the first time since World War II that the fair will not be held.
In a statement released Tuesday, the State Fair of Texas Board of Directors announced that it had voted to cancel the fair because there is "no feasible way for the Fair to put proper precautions in place while maintaining the Fair environment you know and love."
“This was an extremely tough decision. The health and safety of all involved has remained our top priority throughout the decision-making process,” said board chair for the State Fair of Texas Gina Norris: “One of the greatest aspects of the Fair is welcoming each and every person who passes through our gates with smiles and open arms."
Norris's statement went on to acknowledge the recent surge in COVID-19 cases in many parts of the country, including Texas, which saw a record of 8,000 reported cases in a single day last week.
"While we cannot predict what the COVID-19 pandemic will look like in September, the recent surge in positive cases is troubling for all of North Texas," Norris continued. "The safest and most responsible decision we could make for all involved at this point in our 134-year history is to take a hiatus for the 2020 season.”
The fair typically draws more than 2.5 million people and holds programs like The Big Tex Youth Livestock Auction and livestock shows, Big Tex Scholarship Program, Big Tex Urban Farms, which the org says it is still committed to funding. The State Fair of Texas has previously been canceled because of World War I (1918), planning for the 1936 Texas Centennial Exposition and 1937 Pan American Exposition at Fair Park (1935–1937), and World War II (1942–1945).
You Might Also Like
