The 2020 State Fair of Texas, originally slated to open this fall, has been canceled due to the rising number of cases of COVID-19 in the state. Fair officials announced the cancellation via a press release on the State Fair’s website on July 7.

“This was an extremely tough decision. The health and safety of all involved has remained our top priority throughout the decision-making process,” Gina Norris, chair of the State Fair of Texas’ board of directors, said, according to the release.
“While we cannot predict what the COVID-19 pandemic will look like in September, the recent surge in positive cases is troubling for all of North Texas,” Norris said.
The fair is scheduled to return in 2021 from Sept. 24 through Oct. 17 at Fair Park in Dallas.

Patrons who purchased tickets and season passes prior to the cancellation can expect to receive a refund automatically, according to the release.
However, fair officials wrote; “Should football be played this fall, the schools will be playing in the Cotton Bowl as scheduled, despite the cancellation of the 2020 State Fair. We will share those details as soon as we know more.”
Cotton Bowl Stadium is the site of the annual Red River Showdown game between the University of Texas at Austin and the University of Oklahoma, which is normally held during the fair.
Chris Del Conte, UT vice president and athletic director, said he anticipates the game will go on as planned. “We will continue to monitor the situation closely, work through contingencies and make the best possible decisions we can with the health, safety and well-being of everyone involved as our number one priority,” Del Conte said, according to KVUE.
Dallas Mayor Eric Johnson said he was saddened by the cancellation but that the officials’ choice was the “safe and responsible decision.”
“COVID-19’s spread is rampant in our community, and public health must come first,” Johnson said in his own written statement. “We all have to do what it takes to slow this virus so we can save lives and livelihoods and get back to doing what we enjoy.”