FALCON HEIGHTS, Minn. — Minnesota State Fair organizers say the outlook for this year's event remains "unknown" as the COVID-19 situation continues to develop.
In a statement issued Thursday, Jerry Hammer, the fair's general manager, said they are "discussing and considering options" for holding the fair this year. He said changes in dates, duration or restrictions are not being considered.
Hammer said there is no specific date by which they need to make a decision. He said state, national and international public health directives are "central" to their preparation.
The fair is currently scheduled for Aug. 27 through Sept. 7 of 2020.
"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," Hammer said.
The fair's success depends on vendors, operators, suppliers, and agriculturists who "must be at their very best" to successfully produce the event, Hammer said in his statement.
Nearly three weeks ago, on April 3, Hammer gave an update in which he said that preparations for the fair were continuing.
He said at that time, "we remain hopeful that we can all celebrate the end of summer in our usual Great Minnesota Get-Together style."
On Thursday, Hammer said they "continue to remain hopeful" about celebrating this year, but that they will do the right thing for Minnesota.
"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," Hammer said.
Governor Walz weighed in on whether or not there would be a "full fair" or "no fair" during his daily COVID-19 briefing on Thursday afternoon.
The governor stressed that although he and Lieutenant Governor Flanagan are very endeared to the Great Minnesota Get Together, they would continue to listen to the experts.
"At this point in time, I wouldn’t make a definitive call, but I also don’t want to give any false hope on this. I think it would be very difficult to see a state fair operating, and I don’t know how you social distance in there," Walz said.
Walz later went on to say that "one of the greatest things about the state fair is it’s super crowded, that you’re elbow to elbow with your neighbors. That every where you go, you talk to somebody. That’s the charm of the Minnesota State Fair. Unfortunately, that is the worst thing for COVID-19 control. I know they’re looking at it at this point in time, but I think it’s going to be a hard lift, and we’ll hope.”
