KENTUCKY — The Kentucky State Fair Board hopes to have a modified State Fair in August.

The board's fair committee received a plan that calls for several changes because of the coronavirus. The changes include masks for all vendors and livestock handlers, reduced occupancy, and wider aisles. The full board will look at the proposal before sending it to Governor Andy Beshear (D) for approval. 

The Kentucky State Fair is set to take place August 20-30.

Across the river in Indiana, the State Fair Commission and the Indiana State Fair Board announced the Indiana State Fair will not take place. Indiana will have a modified 4-H Livestock show in August.

“Unfortunately, key elements including vendors and partners of the Fair began falling off and so we pivoted and found a way to still serve our communities,” said Brad Chambers, Indiana State Fair Commission Chairman.

“Safety is our number one priority. We’ve spent months working through options that would allow us to host the Fair,’ said Cindy Hoye, Executive Director of the Indiana State Fair Commission. “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.”

The last time the Indiana State Fair was modified or didn't happen was during the Civil War and World War II because the Fairgrounds was needed for the war effort.