New Mexico State Fair canceled for 2020 due to pandemic
ALBUQUERQUE, New Mexico — New Mexico State Fair officials announced Friday that this year's fair would be canceled due to coronavirus concerns, providing yet another hit to the state’s economy during the pandemic.
The state fair had been planned for Sept. 10 through Sept. 20.
"None of us could ever imagine, just a few short months ago, how much our everyday lives would change due to the global pandemic," said New Mexico State Fair general manager Dan Mourning, who added he was "heartbroken that there will be no New Mexico State Fair in 2020."
Friday's announcement marked the first time the fair has been canceled since its inception in 1938.
The state fair cancellation also comes just days after officials announced that the 49th Annual Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta would not take place this year either.
State fair officials said their decision to cancel came after reviewing the latest guidelines issued by the New Mexico Department of Health. It also comes one day after Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham said having any large gatherings posed an unacceptable risk for the state.
Officials announced the cancellation of the 2020 New Mexico State Fair due to concerns regarding COVID-19 today. The decision to cancel this year’s event comes in accordance with guidelines set forth by the NM DOH. For more info visit https://t.co/llsygzt46J pic.twitter.com/9fCquZWjYT
— New Mexico State Fair (@NMStateFair) June 26, 2020
