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LA County Fair Cancelled For First Time Since WWII... Because COVID-19
Ice cream at the L.A. County Fair.
(
Chava Sanchez
/
LAist
)
The L.A. County Fair, which was scheduled for Sept. 4-27, has been cancelled due to health warnings about holding large public gatherings during the pandemic. The cancellation is historic -- the fair hasn't been called off since WWII, when it shut down from 1942-47. Even during the 9/11 attacks, the fair went on, closing for a day and reopening the next morning.
The Pomona event typically attracts more than a million people and provides temporary employment for more than 500 workers. It also yields some $328 million for the county during its 19-day run.
Quarantine update
— Meredith Lee (@meralee727) May 15, 2020
The LA County fair has been canceled so I decided to wander around my apartment sadly eating a churro while petting pictures of baby animals. Later on, I'll slide down my stairs on a yoga mat after pretending to wait in line for three hours.
The decision to cancel the fair after discussions with L.A. County officials was difficult, Fairplex President and CEO Miguel A. Santana said in a press release:
“My heart is heavy, for our guests who come out to make memories, our vendors who rely on the Fair circuit for their income and our employees who work so hard all year-long to create this special event. The L.A. County Fair is an iconic event that celebrates the best of Southern California. It is beloved by many. But we had to take into consideration the health and safety of everyone."
Ticket refunds are available here. If you're having fair withdrawal, we suggest scrolling through some rainbow-colored fried foods from last year.
MORE RECENT CANCELLATIONS:
Hollywood Bowl Cancels Summer Season, Furloughs 25% Of Staff
Local Airbnb Hosts Struggle With Cancelled Reservations And Empty Properties
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