While the Oklahoma State Fair has been canceled because of concerns over the COVID-19 pandemic, the Kansas State Fair in Hutchinson will go on but with restrictions.
Among the public health changes will be a requirement to wear face masks while indoors. Masks will be recommended but not required at all other times according to the Wichita Eagle.
“This decision has been complex and difficult,” said Fair Board President Harmon Bliss in a statement. “We have explored countless ideas and plans to open the 2020 Kansas State Fair. Our top priority is to protect the health and safety of our employees, our vendors, our fairgoers and our community while continuing a tradition that also generates millions of dollars for the Kansas economy.”
The fair is Sept. 11-20.
The decision came just days after officials decided to cancel the Oklahoma State Fair, which was planned for Sept. 17-27 and about 900,000 attendees every year. The Oklahoma State Fair boasts a yearly economic impact of about $100 million.
The Kansas State Fair Board voted 8 to 5 on Tuesday to hold the 2020 fair after staff presented a plan with changes to provide what they said will be a safe and healthy environment.
The decision comes as the state is experiencing a rise in COVID-19 cases. The Kansas Department of Health and Environment reported a jump of 905 cases, or an increase of about 6.7%, over the weekend. Five of those new cases were in Reno County, where cases increased about 7.2%
In addition to mandatory face masks inside of buildings, fair organizers plan to implement one-way traveling inside of buildings. New requirements for the handling of food and condiments include a ban on self-serve ketchup and mustard bottles. Packages will be provided upon request.
The full 21-page plan for holding the fair during the pandemic is available online at www.kansasstatefair.com/.