Arizona State Fair Canceled For First Time In Over 100 Years

PHOENIX — The Arizona State Fair has become yet another coronavirus casualty. The annual event will not be held in October for the first time in 136 years, the Arizona Exposition and State Fair Board announced Thursday.

Last year, the fair boasted over a million visitors and was a huge financial boon for the state. The economic impact averages over $90 million annually, according to a statement on the state fair's website.

“As a self-funded state agency, this decision to postpone the fair is not lightly made,” Chairman Jonathan Lines said in a statement. "However, safety always comes first, and we feel this is the best decision for all involved this year.”

The cancellation comes as the coronavirus pandemic continues around the world, even as Arizona's number of new cases and deaths continues to decline. The state reported 619 new cases Friday and just four known deaths.

Some activities will still be held, albeit virtually, including the youth livestock show and gaming competition. The ESports competition, new to the fair in 2019, will also launch several virtual tournaments. Tentative plans are in place to hold the fair in 2021 from Oct. 7 through Oct. 31.