COVID-19: LA County Fair Canceled This Year - 2nd Time in History

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The 2020 Los Angeles County Fair is canceled this year.

Slated for Sept. 4-27, the annual carnival of rides, a Ferris Wheel, fair food, animals and much more,  is canceling for the second time in its almost 100-year history due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Large gatherings of such size are restricted by state and county officials at the time.

According to a press release "the decision to cancel the Fair was made after much discussion between Fair organizers and Los Angeles County officials. It was not an easy decision to make, Fairplex President and CEO Miguel A. Santana said."

Refunds for the Fair super fans who purchased season pass boxes will be available with three options: credit toward the 2021 Fair plus one extra season pass; turning their purchase into a donation to the Fairplex COVID-19 emergency fund for the community; or a full refund.

Information on refunds can be found at www.lacountyfair.com/refunds

“My heart is heavy, for our guests who come out to make memories, our vendors who rely on the Fair circuit for their income and our employees who work so hard all year-long to create this special event,” Santana said in the press release. “The LA County Fair is an iconic event that celebrates the best of Southern California. It is beloved by many. But we had to take into consideration the health and safety of everyone.”

According to the press release the Fair was closed from 1942 to 1947 for World War II and closed on Sept. 11.

Los Angeles County First District Supervisor Hilda L. Solis, in whose district the Fair resides, said it will be disappointing, but necessary to miss the end-of-summer celebration.

“Like many of you, I grew up eagerly anticipating each year’s opening of the LA County Fair, and I cherish my family memories of this special yearly event,” said Solis in the press release. “Unfortunately, we have had to make the difficult decision to cancel the LA County Fair due to our current public health crisis. We must make these short term sacrifices to preserve the health of the people we love. We do this to protect our communities. I am certain that once we get through this challenging time, we will come back stronger and even more appreciative of the things we love and hold dear.”

For the safety and well-being of our guests, vendors and staff, we announce today that we are canceling the 2020 #LACountyFair, following the guidelines of state and county public health officials who are advising against large public gatherings for the remainder of the year. pic.twitter.com/xvtu4XgrXM

— LA County Fair (@lacountyfair) May 15, 2020