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LA County Fair Cancelled For First Time Since WWII... Because COVID-19

pink ice cream in a waffle cone
Ice cream at the L.A. County Fair.
(Chava Sanchez
/
LAist)
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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.

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:

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“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."

L.A. County Public Health director Barbara Ferrer said: "I have faith that if we continue to make these difficult but necessary decisions now, we will be able to enjoy all that the L.A. County Fair has to offer next year.”

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:

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