COLUMBUS – Citing health and financial concerns, the Ohio Expositions Commission announced Thursday morning that it decided cancel the 2020 Ohio State Fair, which had been scheduled for July 29 – August 9.
City of Columbus Recreation and Parks also announced that its signature summer events — Jazz & Rib Fest and the African-American Cultural Festival –- have been canceled due to the state’s guidelines for large public events.
Fair commission members said the decision to cancel the state fair was based on health and safety concerns in the face of the continuing COVID-19 pandemic, as well as the impact an event that would adhere to social distancing requirements would have on the long-term financial health of the fair.
The state reported on Thursday that there were 30,167 confirmed and probable cases of COVID-19 in Ohio with 1,836 deaths.
“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. The financial ramifications of hosting a reduced-capacity Fair would be too great, and we need to protect the great Ohio State Fair for future generations,” commission chair Andy Doehrel said.
Last year, 934,925 people attended the Ohio State Fair during its 12-day run.
The commission is working to reopen its year-round facilities. Governor Mike DeWine’s administration has not yet released guidelines for resuming large events, such as the fair and pro sports.
Organizers of the Franklin County Fair have also announced the cancellation of that event.
The 2021 Ohio State Fair scheduled for July 28 through August 8.