LOUISVILLE, Ky. — (WLKYfm.com) The Kentucky State Fair in 2020 will look very different due to COVID-19.
Gov. Andy Beshear announced during his Thursday briefing on COVID-19 that the Kentucky State Fair would move to a participant-only format due to ongoing concerns over the coronavirus pandemic.
Overall, Beshear has signaled that the state has potentially reached a plateau in its daily new cases, but the goal will be to review data to see if the plateau remains, numbers decrease or the state sees another spike, which would mean more restrictions.
Due to the ongoing efforts by the state to clamp down on the spread of COVID-19, the fair board decided to move to participants only — those involved in shows or livestock competitions.
“This is something the fair boards came to, understanding it’s their responsibility to protect Kentuckians, to create a safe atmosphere for everyone. And it’s a decision that I fully support,” Beshear said Thursday.
Here’s what will also be canceled:
- The Texas Roadhouse concert series,
- Outdoor entertainment
- Thrill Ville (also referred to as the Midway)
- Lot A exhibits
- Kentucky State Fair Entertainment Tent
- Outdoor Food Vendors
The changes also include several mitigation measures to prevent the spread of the coronavirus. That means there will be wide aisle ways, reduced capacity in certain areas and increased hygiene accessibility.
Masks will also be required, officials said.
“Although the fair will be different this year, the rich tradition of promoting the equestrian and agricultural progress of the state will endure,” said Steven Wilson, the Kentucky State Fair Board Chairman.
Officials said a participants-only format will allow the fair board to conduct contact tracing if necessary to further reduce the spread of COVID-19.
