The event, which was set to take place August 27 through September 7, has been canceled due to the pandemic.
Maryland State Fair Officials recently announced they would be canceling this year’s event due to the coronavirus pandemic. This year, the fair will only hold junior and open livestock shows without a public. Only in-state residents will be allowed to participate.
“Today, it is with heavy hearts that the Board of Directors, management and staff of the Maryland State Fair & Agricultural Society, Inc. announce the decision to cancel the 139th Maryland State Fair,” said Maryland State Fair Board Chairman Gerry L. Brewster to WJZ news. “Fortunately, we have received approval to allow youth and open class exhibitors from Maryland to show their animals in livestock shows following all proper protocols. Although this will not be open to the public, this will allow Maryland’s youth to showcase their hard work and will also allow the Maryland State Fair to fulfill its mission to educate and to showcase Maryland Agriculture.”
The fair draws around 500,000 attendees annually; however, due to COVID-19 and new social distancing rules, the crowds would not be a safe environment for participants or for vendors. “We have to be safe and responsible and make sure we do the safe and right thing,” said General manager Andy Cashman.
While the event won’t take place this August anymore, the Board of Directors has already started getting ready for next summer when Maryland’s State Fair returns.
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[Featured image: Maryland State Fair, Twitter]