The Kansas State Fair Board voted Tuesday in favor of going ahead with this year's fair. The vote was 8-5 even after the board met with KDHE Secretary Dr. Lee Norman who was not in favor of going ahead with the fair.
"I think it would be best to not have the state fair," said Dr. Norman. "There's no question it will engender illness."
In a statement released, Fair Board President Harmon Bliss said the decision was difficult.
"We have explored countless ideas and plans to open the 2020 Kansas State Fair," said Bliss. "Our top priority is to protect the health and safety of our employees, our vendors, our fairgoers and our community while continuing a tradition that also generates millions of dollars for the Kansas economy."
That same release specifies some of the precautions that will be in place this year, including:
Mandatory face coverings in buildings and other specified areas.One-way directional lanes in buildings.Requirements for the handling of food and condiments.Show ring safety measures for livestock competitors.
Purchasing tickets during the Fair will be limited to certain gates to reduce interaction and contact. Additions to those precautions will be made over the next several weeks. The Kansas State Fair is scheduled to begin on September 11th. For more information visit kansasstatefair.com.
