2020 Fair Canceled for First Time Since World War II

From Alaska State Fair CEO Jerome Hertel:

It is with deep regret that the Alaska State Fair Board of Directors and CEO have made the decision to cancel the Alaska State Fair for the first time since 1942 during World War II. The cancellation is due to the continuing uncertainty regarding the COVID-19 pandemic.

Production of an event the size and scope of the traditional Alaska State Fair requires extraordinary, year-round efforts of our small, hard-working staff. We need to make decisions now based on what we know today, not how we hope things will be in August. We have now reached the point that with all the conjecture surrounding mandates and recommendations for mass gatherings of this scale, it just will not be possible to deliver the same experience fairgoers have come to expect from the State’s largest celebration. Each day brings insurmountable challenges to overcome.

Our goal is and always has been to produce a traditional State Fair that is the last blast of summer where all feel welcome, safe and secure. We plan to come back next year with a 2021 Alaska State Fair that is even bigger and better than ever!

Until then, our staff is working diligently to offer our guests new fun, safe, socially distant experiences. We are excited to extend the popular Pop–up Drive-in movies, offer our first Food Truck Fare event starting next week, and spread joy with our new Bright Up the Night drive-through light display this holiday season.

If you’ve purchased tickets to this year’s fair or events with a credit card, your charges will be refunded back into that account. It is not necessary to contact the Fair as those ticket holders will soon see their credit. We will be contacting anyone who paid with another form of payment.

Thank you for your continued support of the Alaska State Fair. We look forward to the time when we can all gather again safely to celebrate the Alaska State Fair’s proud award-winning history.