State Fair of Texas officially canceled for 2020 season

(ROCKWALL, TX — July 7, 2020) The State Fair of Texas is officially canceled this year in light of the recent spike in COVID-19 cases in North Texas. The State Fair of Texas Board of Directors made the decision to vote against opening the fair this year in light of the recent spike in COVID-19 cases in North Texas. The following announcement was posted on the Fair’s website this morning:

“With a heavy heart, we are announcing that the State Fair of Texas will not open for the 2020 season. We believe the spirit of the Lone Star state lies in every Texan’s ability to care and look out for their neighbor and it is with this in mind, we have decided to keep our guests, staff, and partners safe and healthy during these uncertain time. Click the button below to find out more information about this news, including refund information for those who have already purchased a ticket. We look forward to giving y’all a great big Howdy in 2021.”

State Fair of Texas Board Chair Gina Norris stated in a press release by the Fair that due to the uncertainty with the pandemic, the board felt it best for the health and safety of all to keep the Fair gates closed.

“This was an extremely tough decision. The health and safety of all involved has remained our top priority throughout the decision-making process,” said Norris. “One of the greatest aspects of the Fair is welcoming each and every person who passes through our gates with smiles and open arms. 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. While we cannot predict what the COVID-19 pandemic will look like in September, the recent surge in positive cases is troubling for all of North Texas. The safest and most responsible decision we could make for all involved at this point in our 134-year history is to take a hiatus for the 2020 season.”

The Fair will automatically issue refunds for those who have already purchased tickets and season passes. The automatic refund will be the full purchase amount including order fees and shipping. The Fair asks folks to allow 10-14 days from the date of cancellation for the refund to be processed by your bank or financial institution. For questions contact tickets@bigtex.com.

This will mark the first year the State Fair has closed since World War II.

As for plans of doing any virtual Fair events or other planned activities, the Fair is currently considering all potential options and will make announcements of any alternative activities on its website at BigTex.com and through its social media channels.

According to State Fair of Texas President Mitchell Glieber, the Fair is still scheduled to return to Fair Park next year.

“While we are heartbroken at the notion of not welcoming more than 2.5 million of our closest friends for this annual celebration of the Lone Star State, the excitement we feel in moving forward with planning the 2021 State Fair of Texas and keeping this 134-year tradition alive will keep us motivated until we can greet our fairgoers, seasonal staff, and business partners again in a safe environment,” said Glieber in the press release.

The 2021 State Fair of Texas is scheduled to run Friday, Sept. 24 through Sunday, Oct. 17.

Blue Ribbon News staff report.

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