Indiana State Fair called off over coronavirus worries

INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — The Indiana State Fair has been called off because of concerns over the coronavirus outbreak, organizers announced Thursday.

The fair had been set for Aug. 7-23 and officials had held out hope of holding it at the Indianapolis fairgrounds as the governor has said he planned to lift most statewide coronavirus restrictions July 4.

Fair officials, however, said preparing for the event requires collaboration with hundreds of businesses and thousands of part-time workers.

“We simply can’t hold off any longer for the sake of the staff, vendors, exhibitors, entertainers, sponsors and partners,” organizers said on the fair’s website. “While we are not sure what August will look like, we have to make decisions based on what we know today.”

The state fair drew nearly 879,000 visitors during last year’s 17-day run. State fairs have also been canceled in several other states, including Ohio and Minnesota.

Indiana organizers said they were planning a modified 4-H Livestock Show to be held in August.