Georgia National Fair cancels for 1st time in 30 years due to COVID-19 pandemic

For the first time in 30 years, the Georgia National Fair has been canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

“It is with heavy hearts that we announce the 2020 Georgia National Fair is canceled,” the Georgia National Fairgrounds & Agricenter posted on Facebook. “While there will be no fair event, the youth livestock shows will continue with a modified schedule.

“Please know this decision was not taken lightly, as we are all saddened with this being the first time in 30 years of not hosting this great event. Plans for the 2021 event will begin immediately and we look forward to a wonderful event when we can all come together again, October 7-17, 2021. #FairStrong #gnfapride”

The fair had been scheduled this year for Oct. 8-18.

Stephen Shimp, GNF executive director, said this in a news release posted on Facebook about the cancellation:

“For 30 years we have been able to offer an event for everyone in the family to enjoy, the rides, the entertainment, food and much more. This year, due to growing concerns for the safety of our visitors, employees, volunteers, and vendors, we knew it was going to be tough to move forward as ‘normal.’ We employ roughly 300 part time employees during the fair month, and due to health concerns, many have informed us that they would not be able to join us again this year, making it difficult to host an event of our magnitude in the manner we typically have.

“This decision has weighed heavily on our minds and hearts as this is the first time in 30 years that the Georgia National Fair will not happen, and much like our fairgoers, this is a staple of our fall season. Although the 2020 Georgia National Fair is unable to happen, we are making plans for the 2021 event and hope that you will make plans to join us then.”

Nearly impossible

The decision was made by the Georgia Agricultural Exposition Authority.

Its chairman, Foster Rhodes, said the board determined that hosting a fair that abides by CDC and state regulations related to COVID-19 was nearly impossible.

“From the rides, vendors, concessionaires, live entertainment and concerts, it is nearly impossible to make our event safe for all members involved due to the recent COVID-19 outbreak,” Rhodes said in the news release. “For 30 years, we have offered a family friendly, safe environment and that is what we strive to do each year.

“To offer anything less would be a disservice to our patrons, fairgoers, partners, as well as the staff and those who have come to love the Georgia National Fair’s brand.”

The authority held off on making the decision as long as possible, but vendors needed a 60-day notice in order to make plans, according to Rhodes.

“We feel that there is no ‘half-way’ to producing a fair like what we are used to hosting and because of that, we reached this unforeseen decision to cancel,” he said.

Modified FFA, 4-H schedule

The youth FFA and 4-H livestock exhibitions will continue with a modified schedule, according to the release.

The updated schedule and safety guidelines are expected to be made available within the next few weeks, according to the release.

Registration remains open for livestock entries until Sept. 1.

The youth livestock shows will be private — opened only to those exhibitors and their immediate family. No spectators will be allowed on the grounds during the shows.

The GNF&A already has in place a 15-page COVID-19 Guidance Rulebook, a COVID-19 Waiver and COVID-19 Safety Messaging.

The rule book highlights safety precautions, including a recommendation to wear masks.

The waiver notes that the GNF&A cannot be held responsible for suffering, severe injury or death from COVID-19, includes requirements for personnel safety and prohibits people with COVID-19 symptoms from participating.

The safety messaging includes safety guidelines and begins with the statement, “Enter venue at your own risk. Facility assumes no responsibility for the spread of infectious diseases.”

Events ceased at the GNF&A, which operates year-round, in early March due to COVID-19. Events resumed July 1 under safety guidelines.

A $1.2 million revenue loss was incurred during that time “due to show cancellations because of COVID restrictions on limitations of crowds and the show managers wanting to do what is best for the participants and staff,” according to Keaton Walker, GNF spokesperson.

The annual GNF generates about $6 million, with a recorded 565,533 attendance at the 2019 fair, Keaton said in an email.

The GNF generates about 90% of its revenue, with the rest coming from the state, Keaton said.

The Georgia National Fair is among other state, county and local fair cancellations across the country due to the COVID-19 pandemic, including the North Georgia State Fair and the North Carolina State Fair.

This story was originally published August 13, 2020 at 10:04 AM with the headline "Georgia National Fair cancels for 1st time in 30 years due to COVID-19 pandemic."