2020 Indiana State Fair canceled, modified livestock fair announced

<p>The 2020 Indiana State Fair has been canceled. However, a modified State Fair 4-H Livestock Show with additional activities that will be held on the State Fairgrounds in August. <strong>Reagan Allen, DN File</strong></p>

The 2020 Indiana State Fair has been canceled. However, a modified State Fair 4-H Livestock Show with additional activities that will be held on the State Fairgrounds in August. Reagan Allen, DN File

Due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Indiana State Fair Commission and the Indiana State Fair Board announced the 2020 Indiana State Fair will be canceled, according to the fair's website.

While the traditional state fair has been canceled, they announced a modified State Fair 4-H Livestock Show with additional activities that will be held on the State Fairgrounds 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, according to the website's announcement.

This is not the first time the Indiana State Fair was modified or did not take place, the website states. During the Civil War and World War II the Fairgrounds was needed to support the war effort.

“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.”

In 2019, the website states nearly 879,000 people attended the Indiana State Fair.

“We are grateful for the support of our State Fair Family; each one of you who makes the iconic event possible every summer. To our beloved fans, staff, sponsors, exhibitors, 4-H & FFA members, vendors, volunteers and entertainers — we look forward to being back at full strength in August 2021,” Hoye said.

Additional information about the modified State Fair 4-H Livestock Show and answers to other State Fair related questions can be found on the fair's website.

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