The corn dogs and deep-fried Oreos will have to wait a bit longer because the 2020 Arizona State Fair has been canceled due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. The event is set to return in 2021.
The Arizona Exposition & State Fair Board has unanimously decided to postpone the annual fall event to next year because to the pandemic and after seeking guidance from the Arizona Department of Public Health, a news release said.
“As a self-funded state agency, this decision to postpone the fair is not made lightly," said Chairman Jonathan Lines in a statement. "In addition to providing the majority of the agency’s operating income, the Fair’s economic impact averages over $90 million annually, engages 300+ businesses, and hires 1000+ employees. However, safety always comes first, and we feel this is the best decision for all involved this year."
Some of the fair's traditional events may be hosted virtually, the fair said. Livestock entries are being accepted online and esport competitions, which the fair introduced in 2019, are underway.
The fair has tentatively been scheduled for Oct. 7-31, 2021.
