June 4, 2020

2020 Indiana State Fair Canceled Due To COVID-19 Concerns

Article origination IPBS-RJC
The Indiana State Fair draws around 900,000 people annually. - Lauren Chapman/IPB News

The Indiana State Fair draws around 900,000 people annually.

Lauren Chapman/IPB News

The 2020 Indiana State Fair has been canceled due to COVID-19 concerns.

The State Fair Commission and Board announced Thursday it will instead offer a 4-H livestock show in August and September as a kind of replacement.

In a statement, Commission Chair Brad Chambers said vendors and partners “began falling off,” prompting the decision to cancel the weeks-long event.

The new livestock show is aimed at highlighting the 4-H youth projects that are normally part of the State Fair. It will run on weekends only in August and early September.

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Exhibitor entry fees that had already been paid will be refunded. Those who already bought admission tickets to the Fair this year can either ask for a refund or roll over their balance for tickets to the 2021 Fair.

The fair, in Indianapolis, draws around 900,000 people annually.

Contact reporter Brandon at bsmith@ipbs.org or follow him on Twitter at @brandonjsmith5.

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