The Oklahoma State Fair in Oklahoma City for 2020 has been canceled, but the Canadian County Free Fair is still on for August, a county official said Friday.
The cancellation of the biggest fair in the state in neighboring Oklahoma County due to COVID-19 will be closely reviewed by the Canadian County Free Fair Board, said County Commissioner Dave Anderson, District 2.
“It has drawn our attention, but as of right now the Canadian County Fair is on,’ Anderson said.
The Canadian County Free Fair is planned for August 26-29 at the Fairgrounds in El Reno, and programs have gone to a printer, Anderson said.
However, the fair board will make any changes necessary to the plans, he said.
Kelly Beck, Canadian County Free Fair Board Chairman, said the board is waiting to see what happens with the Tulsa State Fair next. A decision about the August Canadian County Free fair is likely to be made the first week of July, he said Friday.
The Oklahoma State Fair cancellation affects many people from Canadian County who may participate, Anderson said.
Youths in FFA and 4-H programs participate in the Canadian County and the state livestock shows during the year with different projects with crafts, animals and photography, Anderson said.
“Today’s (Oklahoma State Fair) announcement will open some eyes,” Anderson said.
The Oklahoma State Fair in Oklahoma City would have been September 16-26.
A statement on the Fair’s website Friday reads:
“The impact of the State Fair’s cancellation will be felt far beyond the loss of our annual celebration,”
stated Timothy J. O’Toole, President & CEO of Oklahoma State Fair, Inc.
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