Written by Nicholas Vetrisek
The 22nd District Agricultural Association Board of Directors unanimously voted to cancel the San Diego County Fair due to concerns about the coronavirus pandemic.
“The health and safety of our community takes precedence during this unprecedented time of crisis,” said Del Mar Fairgrounds CEO and General Manager Tim Fennell. “The San Diego County Fair is a beloved family tradition for more than 1.5 million San Diegans each year, as well as a source of livelihood for numerous individuals and businesses. Yet with the continued impacts of COVID-19, postponing this year’s fair is the right thing to do.”
Governor Gavin Newsom’s recent updates had a major effect on the decision due to the fact that the organizers of the fair said that “mass gatherings are not likely to be allowed for the foreseeable future.”
The fair was supposed to run from June 5 through July 5 and it was meant to have a “Heroes, Unite!” superhero theme, which is fitting given recent events.
“The Fair’s theme couldn’t be more relevant,” the statement read, referencing the medical workers currently trying to fight the pandemic. “Now, more than ever, we’re acutely aware that some of our very greatest heroes walk among us.”
This is yet another example of the economic turmoil that this pandemic is causing in San Diego. The amount of money expected to be lost due to event cancellations is $350 million, and in addition to the overall figure, many businesses will lose the most important part of their year.
