Indiana State Fair returning with changes after cancellation in 2020

Indiana’s state fair announced Tuesday that it would return in 2021 with changes in place to lessen the risk of COVID-19 transmission after the fair was canceled in 2020. 

An announcement video posted on Twitter indicated that the fair would run from July 30 to Aug. 22. However, the event’s website stated that the fairgrounds would be closed Mondays and Tuesdays during the fair’s run.

We’re excited to announce the Indiana State Fair will return July 30-Aug 22 where we will Celebrate the Hoosier Spirit & all things Indiana! We are actively working with the Indiana State Department of Health as we plan our late summer event. More info: https://t.co/03x4IKjUgp pic.twitter.com/hPdK8Q8pZT

— Indiana State Fair (@IndyStateFair) May 4, 2021

“We know this year’s State Fair may look a little different, and we are prepared for that. By adding an additional weekend, it allows us to spread Fair attendance across a new weekend,” fair director Cindy Hoye said in a press release obtained by The Associated Press

Organizers, she continued, “are confident that with our 250+ acre, mostly outdoor campus we will be able to host our Fair late this summer.”

The fair was canceled in 2020 when vendors and other organizations began to withdraw from the summer event, forcing the Indiana State Fair Commission to refund tickets. The state went ahead with a 4-H livestock show, traditionally part of the fair, later in the year.

“Safety is our number one priority,” Hoye said last year upon announcing the cancellation.

“Agriculture and youth are the foundation of our mission and the heartbeat of the Indiana State Fair, so we are determined and proud to honor our 4-H members with a version of that State Fair experience that allows Indiana’s youth to be recognized for their dedication and hard work,” she continued at the time.

Indiana saw its rates of new COVID-19 cases rise slightly in April after the state recovered from a major surge of infections over the fall and winter.