DES MOINES, Iowa. (KMTV) — Those used to getting their fried food on a stick fix every summer at the Iowa State Fair will have to wait a year due to COVID-19.
For the first time since 1945, the Iowa State Fair is canceled. The next one is planned for August 12-22, 2021.
Organizers with the fair analyzed all of the unique traditions and came to the conclusion that it would be safer not to hold it this year, according to their website.
Only five fairs have been canceled since its inception in 1854: one in 1898 due to the World's Fair in Omaha and the Spanish-American War and four others from 1942-1945 due to World War II.
The Iowa State Fair website says there's roughly over $100 million worth of economic impact in the 11 days the fair is held.
Those who already purchased admission tickets can either keep them for 2021 or will receive an e-mail for refund instructions.
Anyone who purchased tickets in person and would like a refund should mail the tickets to Attn: Ticket Office, PO Box 57130, Des Moines, Iowa 50317 by July 15, 2020.
Tickets to canceled Grandstand shows will receive information on how to request a refund if purchased through Etix.
More information can be found here.
