2020 Washington State Fair Canceled Over Coronavirus Concerns

PUYALLUP, WA — After months of uncertainty, the 2020 Washington State Fair has officially been cancelled. It is the first and only time the fair has been cancelled since the second World War. The fair officially announced its cancellation Wednesday afternoon, with a message from the fair's CEO.

"At its core, any fair, ours included, is a people-gathering event, the more people the better," said CEO Kent Hojem. "That hypothesis runs contrary to the challenges of containing this pandemic."

Before Wednesday, the fair's last update had been on June 5, when organizers had still planned to host a 2020 fair. It had been scheduled to run from September 4 to 27.

The fair's CEO says the cancellation was a tough choice to make, both because of fans who look forward to the fair every year, and because of the economic impact it will have on the many vendors counting on the fair for summer revenue.

"Though it was a difficult decision, it was really the only decision possible based on what we currently know," said Hojem. "It was a decision made in what we feel are the best interests of the health and safety of all of our guests, our employees, our exhibitors; basically all of our constituents."

Now that the fair has been officially cancelled, organizers will begin contacting registered participants and refunding their entry and competition fees. Vendors with questions are also encouraged to contact the fair's Vendor Services Department at vendorservices@thefair.com.

With the 2020 fair finished organizers are shifting much of their attention to prepare for the 2021 fair, but there are a few activities that could continue this year. Organizers are considering rescheduling the rodeo and Columbia Bank Concert Series, and will be posting updates on their website if they do. The fair also has not ruled out a replacement event later in the year, if the pandemic comes under control and the Safe Start Plan allows for larger gatherings. Finally, the fair is still hosting their Drive-Thru Fair Food-To-Go event, plus a drive-in concert series and movie night. Info on those events can be found here.

"Since 1900, the Washington State Fair has been Washington’s home to gather and celebrate," said Hojem. "We want to make certain that we remain that home for generations to come. This is our mission statement, and we intend to welcome you all home as soon as we can."

Hear Hojem's full remarks on the cancellation below:

More information on the cancellation and an FAQ for vendors and participants can be found on the fair's website here.