Yet another major event has been canceled amid fears of the Chinese coronavirus, as organizers of the State Fair of Texas announced on Tuesday that the event would not be taking place in 2020.
The State Fair of Texas, which has taken place annually since 1886, has attracted families across Texas to Fair Park in Dallas for its festivities, rides, events, and, of course, its ever-evolving plethora of fried treats.
But the uncertainty of the future trajectory of the coronavirus, as well as related government-mandated shutdowns, has turned out the lights on the event this year.
‘This was an extremely tough decision. The health and safety of all involved has remained our top priority throughout the decision-making process,” said Gina Norris, board chair for the State Fair of Texas.
“In the current climate of COVID-19, there is no feasible way for the Fair to put proper precautions in place while maintaining the Fair environment you know and love.”
The news comes as Gov. Greg Abbott has begun to rewind the state’s phased reopening plans, recently closing down bars, ratcheting back capacity at restaurants, and giving local officials the ability to restrict large gatherings of people.
The cancellation is, however, historic, as it is the first time the fair has been canceled since World War II.
Football fans can carry some hope, however, as the annual football game between the University of Texas and the University of Oklahoma—which takes place at the site of the fair every year—is not immediately impacted. Fair organizers say the future of the game is up to the NCAA and the respective universities.
With the 2020 fair canceled, the next opportunity for visitors to grab a Fletcher’s Corny Dog and wave to Big Tex will be on September 24, 2021.
