COLUMBUS- “It hurts me for cancelling, but its the right thing to do. It’s the thing that’s gonna protect all Ohioans," said Ohio State Fair GM Virgil Strickler.
What You Need To Know
- For the first time since World War II, the Ohio State Fair will not be held in Columbus this year due to the COVID-19 Pandemic
- The decision was announced Thursday after a unanimous vote by the Ohio Expositions Commission
- Organizers say they will not jeopardize the health of hundreds of thousands of visitors and participants from all corners of the country
Ohio State Fair General Manager Virgil Strickler says organizers have spent the last couple of months thinking of ways to have a safer state fair, even if that meant limiting capacity to 50 percent.
In the end, it came down to health over profits, and organizers say they’re sad to see the Fair cancelled for the first time since World War II era.
“We average around 900,000 people every year. We believe that if we had 50 percent of that, we’d still have 400-some thousand people. And we believe that’s just straining. I don’t want to see any problems healthwise,” said Strickler.
Strickler says each year the board budgets for up to $7 million, and the state fair has made money the last 18 years.
And although they’ve been able to save money in a rainy day fund, this year’s cancellation will have a lasting impact.
“We’re going to have to watch our finances at all times, though, and try to figure out maybe when another event can actually happen here if it is at the fair even. There are so many events that are to come this year that have to be cancelled,” said Strickler.
Ohio Farm Bureau Federation spokesperson Ty Higgins says it’s not only a sad day for those in agriculture, but for 4-H participants, and fairgoers as well.
“To put in all that work and not be able to show their efforts is very heartbreaking, and we really feel for the kids. For many of us in agriculture, that’s what the fairs at the county and state level are all about,” said Higgins.
The Ohio State Fair was to run from July 29 through August 9.
Organizers are currently working through the details on how to share some educational opportunities for kids through virtual platforms.
“Whether that’s virtual barn tour at livestock farms across Ohio or technology experiences and maybe even being able to shop from our vendors,” said Alicia Shoults, marketing and PR director,
“They’ll learn about pigs or cows or chickens, and so yes, I think that if there’s an educational opportunity still there virtually, definitely that’s a great option to take,” said Higgins.
And in the absence of the state fair this year, the first time in 75 years, Strickler is asking for both organizers and members of the public to reach out and share your favorite memories from years past.
“We put up all of our memories of our great state fair and try to keep that rolling. I mean, if that doesn’t make people happy to see those kinds of joyful times that we’ve had with our state fair, that will help. I know it will for me,” said Strickler.
The Ohio Expositions Commission is working on ways to open facilities when it’s safe to do so.
The 2021 Ohio State Fair is slated to run from July 28 through August 8.