With support from local and state health officials, the State Fair of West Virginia Board of Directors has voted to move forward with the 2020 State Fair, scheduled for August 13 - 22, 2020. “We are very excited to be able to open the fair, we have worked very hard on our plan to keep fairgoers safe,” said Chief Executive Officer Kelly Collins. “We have been working very closely with the Governor’s office and the Health Department. We will be releasing more specifics to the public at a later date, but we will have specific guidelines.” In the interest of public health, numerous programming changes including limited crowds, changes to concerts and free entertainment, and increased advance ticket sales will be announced in the coming weeks. State Fair Officials will also be implementing measures for social distancing, enhanced cleaning procedures and COVID-19 testing for carnival employees and other groups working the fair. Specific procedures will be listed on the State Fair Website soon. A post on the fair's social media page states: "After months of gathering information and weighing all options, and with blessing from Governor Justice and the Greenbrier County Health Department, the State Fair of West Virginia Board of Directors has voted to move forward with plans for the 2020 State Fair of West Virginia scheduled for August 13-22, 2020. In the interest of public health, the State Fair of West Virginia is following guidance provided by our local and state officials, and will be implementing changes across the facility to help protect our fairgoers, exhibitors, vendors, staff and our community. Some of these changes include, increased hand washing and hand sanitization stations, increased cleaning procedures, employee screening, social distancing requirements, and face masks recommendations. We are continuing to look into our programming across the facility and will be announcing changes in areas including, livestock shows, free entertainment and concerts over the next few weeks. We will continue to collaborate with partners and medical professionals, watch for any new developments around COVID-19 that would impact the fair operation, and make modifications accordingly. While we are committed to taking every precaution in keeping everyone safe while still enjoying themselves, we do ask that folks use their best judgement when considering attending the fair. Stay home if not feeling well, high risk, or at all uncomfortable with the event. On behalf of the State Fair of West Virginia Board of Directors and staff, we’d like to take a minute to say thank you to Governor Jim Justice, the Greenbrier County Health Department, Greenbrier Valley Medical Center, Greenbrier County Homeland Security and Emergency Management, the West Virginia State Police, Greenbrier County Emergency Ambulance Service and other agencies that have helped us through this process." The State Fair of West Virginia works closely on public health issues with a variety of local and national public health agencies, including the Greenbrier County Health Department and Greenbrier Valley Medical Center. Fair organizers will continue to collaborate with these expert partners, watch for any new developments around COVID-19 that would impact the fair operation, and make modifications accordingly. "The State Fair of West Virginia exists to strengthen the state of West Virginia and bring people together," said Board Chair Ralph Warren. "We will be working with our health officials over the next few months to make sure we are taking all necessary steps to protect our fairgoers, exhibitors, vendors, staff and community." For more information on the 2020 State Fair of West Virginia, please visit www.statefairofwv.com.
