Fate Of 2020 Wisconsin State Fair May Come This Week

MILWAUKEE COUNTY, WI — Is the Wisconsin State Fair the next domino to fall amid the coronavirus pandemic?

State Fair officials said they have yet to make a decision whether to cancel or delay the 2020 fair. They're meeting on Tuesday, and promised vendors they'd have a decision about the 2020 fair by the end of May.

Prior to any announcement made this week, the Wisconsin State Fair is still planned for Aug. 6-16, 2020. That date is subject to change, officials said earlier this month. Earlier this spring, State Fair Park Board of Directors issued a statement about how close they were to making a decision about this year's fair.

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State Fair officials said there are many factors they need to consider, including several large industries, including agriculture, entertainment, concessions and ride operations, as well as hundreds of small businesses and thousands of part-time employees.

"We are analyzing all facets of the Fair, while continuing to closely monitor data from local, state and federal health officials, and assess how this will affect each one," the Board wrote.

Minnesota State Fair Canceled

Last week, officials announced the Great Minnesota Get-Together would not be held in 2020. The decision was made to cancel the Minnesota State Fair by the board of managers Friday. The event was scheduled for Aug. 27 through Labor Day, Sept. 7.

In a news release, State Fair General Manager Jerry Hammer said that "This isn't a difficult decision. It's the only decision."

In a normal year, organizers in Minnesota said preparing for an event the scale and scope of the Minnesota State Fair is a year-round operation and a mammoth undertaking. However, in the midst of a global pandemic, "it is impossible," officials said. "While the State Fair is one of many celebrations to go quiet this year, we are looking forward to 2021."

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William Bornhoft, Patch Staff, contributed to this report.