Wisconsin State Fair zapped by COVID-19

The Brillion News

WEST ALLIS - No cream puffs this summer, because there will be no 2020 Wisconin State Fair.

On Tuesday, May 26, the State Fair Board voted unanimously to authorize Chairman John Yingling to make the determination on whether events currently scheduled at State Fair Park, including the 2020 Wisconsin State Fair, are to be canceled, after extensive input from each Board member and Kathleen O’Leary, Executive Director/CEO.

On Thursday (May 28) Yingling announced that for the safety of fairgoers, staff, vendors, entertainers, exhibitors, sponsors, suppliers and the broader community, the 2020 Wisconsin State Fair has been canceled.

The board and staff have been closely monitoring COVID-19 data from local, state and federal health officials during this time.

While some restrictions have recently been lifted and businesses are beginning to re-open, most are requiring strict safety measures, including social distancing, the wearing of masks and temperature checks. The evidence that this disease spreads quickly and easily when people are in densely populated areas has led several agencies to continue their recommendation to avoid mass gatherings.

The Wisconsin State Fair is the largest event in the State of Wisconsin, drawing more than one million people over the course of 11 days, this weighed heavily into the decision to cancel the 2020 Wisconsin State Fair.

The State Fair Park Board said it has the responsibility to be stewards of the public funds entrusted to Wisconsin State Fair Park and ensure the financial viability of the Fair Park not only heading into 2021, but for years to come. As a State of Wisconsin agency, Chairman Yingling and the State Fair Park Board of Directors have been in communication with Governor Tony Evers, as well as the Department of Administration, and have their support.

A complete story on the decision will be featured in the June 4 PRINT EDITION of The Brillion News.