The 2020 Delaware State Fair plans to go on as scheduled, but one of the main attractions, the concerts at the Grandstand is cancelled.
"We're very disappointed as many of you are but we are going to need to cancel the concerts for the 2020 Delaware State Fair," said Danny Aguilar, Delaware State Fair assistant general manager.
Aguilar says the concerts are cancelled for safety reasons, since it will be difficult to abide by social distancing protocols in the M&T Bank Grandstand.
The good news from Aguilar is the Delaaare State Fair plans go on as long as the state can progress to Phase 3 of the economic recovery effort, but again safety rules the day.
"We are planning for the 2020 Delaware State Fair, it's going to look different compared to past fairs but our goal is to work closely with our state officials to ensure that we provide a very safe environment for families to come and visit," Aguilar said.
Aguilar adds social distancing restrictions will be in place at some venues, and the State Fair hopes to provide streaming for livestock shows and judging events to help reduce the amount of people there.
And he says the fair still plans to have a lot to offer even without the concerts.
"The Fair has been happening for over a hundred years. There's amazing entertainment and talent, our livestock is super important, agriculture, carnival rides - we're planning carnival rides on a modified basis. So, we are looking at all options," said Aguilar.
The Fair will provide full refunds to people who purchased concert tickets directly from the Fair. Refunds will follow the original method of payment, and be completed by May 29.
The fair is also offering the opportunity to turn some or all of a ticket purchase into a charitable contribution to support exhibitors participating in this year’s Junior Livestock Auction.
This year’s Fair is scheduled from July 23 through August 1.
