The Ohio Expositions Commission just announced that the Ohio State Fair will not be open to the public this summer and "will instead focus on agricultural and educational competitions exhibitors, their families, and guests." Members of the organizations expressed a growing apprehension to putting on this year's event due to the current state of public health.
General Manager of the Ohio State Fair, Virgil Strickler said,
“Although vaccination rates are improving significantly each day, Ohio continues to fight the battle against COVID-19. Where we are today in this battle makes it challenging to plan a large-scale entertainment event, not knowing where we will be, or what Ohio will look like, in late July. In addition, the important safety protocols that have been put in place to protect Ohioans, like indoor seating capacities, may lead to attendance that is considerably lower than previous years. The financial ramifications of hosting a typical Ohio State Fair with the same overhead costs, but far less revenue, could be devastating to our organization. In a typical year, the Ohio State Fair’s budget is designed to break even, with a nominal profit, if any. Hosting a full fair this year would likely lead to significant financial loss.”
This year's event is expected to kickoff on Monday, July 19th. The 2022 Ohio State Fair is being planned for July 27th through August 7th with the return of live music, amusement rides, food and much more.