Staff Report

WEST ALLIS, Wis. – The Wisconsin State Fair Board of Directors has voted to cancel the 2020 state fair because of the coronavirus pandemic.

“The board and staff have been closely monitoring COVID-19 data from local, state and federal health officials during this time,” the board said in a statement. “While some restrictions have recently been lifted and businesses are beginning to re-open, most are requiring strict safety measures, including social distancing, the wearing of masks and temperature checks. The evidence that this disease spreads quickly and easily when people are in densely populated areas has led several agencies to continue their recommendation to avoid mass gatherings.”

The fair was scheduled to begin Aug. 6. It typically draws about a million people in 11 days, a statistic organizers weighed heavily in putting the event off for a year.

“The safety of all fairgoers and staff, as well as the above-mentioned partners who are so important to putting on a successful fair, has always been the number one top priority,” the board said.

Those who purchased advanced tickets for the 2020 fair will be able to use them at the 2021 fair or receive a refund. Refunds are available through June 30.