At his daily press conference, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz mentioned how it would be tough to foresee the Minnesota State Fair happening in 2020 under current circumstances.
Gov. Walz was quoted saying that he felt it would be “very difficult” to image holding the state fair but no final decision has been made. Walz also mentioned that he doesn’t know how people could practice social distancing while on the fairgrounds.
Governor Walz says at this point it's "very difficult" to imagine holding the 2020 Minnesota State Fair, but no final decision has been made yet. Doesn't know how you could practice "social distancing" on the fairgrounds.
— Tom Hauser (@thauserkstp) April 23, 2020
STATE FAIR NEWS: Walz says "Pains me. Pains me. Pains me. I don't want to make a definitive call, but I also don't want to give false hope on this. I think it would be very difficult to see a State Fair operating. I don't know how you social distance in there."
— Patrick Kessler (@PatKessler) April 23, 2020
This all came after Minnesota State Fair General Manager Jerry Hammer came out with a release today stating that:
As stewards of the Great Minnesota Get-Together, it is our duty to do everything we can for as long as we can to ensure that Minnesota has a world class State Fair this year. Central to this year’s preparations are the directives of state, national and international health agencies. At this point, the outlook for late summer events remains unknown. As of now, there is no specific date by which a decision to hold the fair must be made. That picture will become more clear in the weeks ahead as we continue to be in contact with our partners that are vital to produce an event the size and scope of the Great Minnesota Get-Together. The fair’s success relies on agriculturists, commercial and competitive exhibitors, educators, entertainers, attraction operators, suppliers, contractors and many others who must be at their very best to successfully produce the type of event that Minnesota expects and deserves.
At its heart, the State Fair is a grand celebration where all feel welcome, safe and secure. We are discussing and considering options that will enable us to provide that experience in 2020; however, alternate fair dates, a change in duration of the fair, or significant restrictions are not being considered.
We continue to remain hopeful that we can celebrate this year in our usual style, but ultimately please know and rest assured the State Fair will do the right thing for Minnesota, our nation and our world.