“This isn’t a difficult decision; it’s the only decision,” said State Fair General Manager Jerry Hammer in the announcement that the Great Minnesota Get-Together will not be held in 2020 due to coronavirus health risks. The fair hasn’t been canceled since 1946 when a polio outbreak caused its closure.
The decision was announced today following a meeting of the board of managers of the Minnesota State Agricultural Society, which governs the Minnesota State Fair. The event was scheduled for Aug. 27 through Labor Day, Sept. 7.
Organizers said that in a normal year, preparing for an event the scale and scope of the Minnesota State Fair is a year-round operation and a mammoth undertaking; in the midst of a global pandemic, it is impossible.
Instead, organizers are looking forward to 2021. “We’re extremely grateful for the understanding and support of everyone who makes the State Fair possible–especially the millions of fair fans from around the globe,” Hammer said.
The Great Minnesota Get-Back-Together is Aug. 26 – Labor Day, Sept. 6, 2021.Visit mnstatefair.org for more information.
