INDIANAPOLIS — The 2020 Indiana State Fair is officially canceled due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, according to an announcement made by the Indiana State Fair Commission and Board on Thursday.
"Safety is our number one priority. We've spent months working through options that would allow us to host the Fair," Cindy Hoye, Executive Director of the Indiana State Fair Commission, said.
The Indiana State Fairgrounds will still host a modified 4H Livestock Show, in addition to other activities in August. Such activities were not initially made available.
"Agriculture and youth are the foundation of our mission and the heartbeat of the Indiana State Fair, so we are determined and proud to honor our 4-H members with a version of that State Fair experience that allows Indiana's youth to be recognized for their dedication and hard work," Hoye said.
According to the state fair board, this is not the first time the Indiana State Fair was modified or did not take place. During the Cold War and WWII, the Fairgrounds were needed to support the war effort and, in turn, was not held.
In 2019, nearly 879,000 people attended the Indiana State Fair.
For more information on the State Fair 4-H Livestock Show, 4-H projects, and an updated FAQ resource, visit IndianaStateFair.com.
