2020 Santa Barbara County Fair canceled
SANTA MARIA, Calif. - The Santa Barbara County Fair has been canceled this year because of the coronavirus. The Fairpark board has been monitoring the current COVID-19 situation. While they were hoping to make adjustments so the Fair could continue, ultimately, they decided health and safety must be the priority.
The board made the announcement Tuesday afternoon. It's the first time the Fair has been canceled since World War Two.
“The board of directors and staff recognize the significance of the economic impact this cancelation has on the community at large and on sponsors, industry partners, exhibitors, patrons and the Fairpark itself, and waited as long as possible to make this devastating decision,” Persons said.
Organizers are working on a plan to refund vendors and sponsors. The Fairpark says the community can still help by participating in the virtual livestock auction.
The board noted nearly 60% of the Fairpark's annual budget comes from the Santa Barbara County Fair, and the cancelation jeopardizes the viability of the Fairpark.
Upcoming events include the West Coast Kustoms Cruisin' Nationals, scheduled for October 2-4, and the Santa Maria Fall Fest scheduled for October 23-26. Those events are still scheduled, as the Fairpark board remains hopeful large gatherings will be permitted later this year.
