The coronavirus pandemic has caused one of Arizona’s most popular fall traditions to be canceled.
The 2020 Arizona State Fair will no longer be taking place this year amid health concerns surrounding COVID-19, reported ABC 15. The fair was set to begin in early October.
The Arizona Exposition and State Fair Board made the announcement on Friday.
“After reviewing information from staff, seeking guidance from the Arizona Department of Health Services and analyzing all of the options, the Board voted ... to postpone the event due to COVID-19," the board wrote in a statement.
“This has been a deeply challenging decision for everyone,” said executive director Wannell Costello. “While the fun and carefree environment the State Fair provides is appreciated by the community, we know this year it’s not the right time to hold a large event. The health and safety of our team, visitors and community is most important."
The fair will be postponed until next year and is tentatively scheduled for Oct. 7-31, 2021.
Some aspects of this year’s fair will still go on virtually, including the livestock competition, auction, and e-sports tournaments.
As of Saturday, Arizona has reported 197,895 positive cases of COVID-19, with at least 4,756 deaths, according to the Arizona Department of Health Services, reported the Arizona Republic.
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