Orange County Fair Cancels 2020 Event Amid Coronavirus

COSTA MESA, CA —The Orange County Fair has canceled their event for 2020. The website countdown clock rolled to a stop on Monday morning as the news rang out, the popular fair which last year drew over 1 million people is yet another casualty of the 2020 coronavirus pandemic. The gates of the fair will not open to livestock, participants, bands or visitors however an online presence is being planned to wow the virtual crowds over the first-ever summer of social distancing.

Regional fairs take months to plan, years to prepare for, and on Monday, the board overseeing the Orange County Fair canceled its 2020 edition due to uncertainties surrounding the virus. In the past few weeks, the board had pushed back for a July start date. However, after watching the San Diego and San Bernardino county fairs each cancel their events, the board decided it was prudent to do the same.

"I know that we will be back in 2021," Sandra Cervantes, Chair of the OC Fair and Event Center, said in a meeting, Monday.

The fair was initially pushed back to July 17 through August 16.

According to Cervantes, "The safety of the community is our main priority, and based on the current landscape holding, a fair which attracts thousands of people would be very difficult with physical-distancing restrictions."

"It's likely not feasible to hold the OC Fair later in the year," Cervantes stated. It is a decision that has come after much discussion and watching other regional fairs cancel their opening dates across the state.

Cervantes says that the OC Fair will provide a memorable, yet online, experience this year. A virtual fair could include contests, competitions, entertainment, and concessions to bring the fair-experience to the community; however, the specifics are not yet known.

Cervantes pledged to "do everything in our power to maintain the current workforce." The fairgrounds has reserve funds in their coffers. Last year, 1.39 million people attended the 23-day fair over July and August 2019.

The 2019 fair netted the county $11.8 million after expenses, according to The Register.

Officials hope some activities can resume at the OC Fair & Event Center in the fall, Cervantes told The Register. She said they expect the fair to get back "on track in 2021 as long as large gatherings are permitted at that time."

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