Officials have announced the cancellation of the 2020 New Mexico State Fair due to ongoing concerns over the COVID-19 pandemic. The State Fair, slated to run September 10 – 20, welcomes half a million people from around the state and the country. The decision to cancel this year’s event comes in accordance with guidelines set forth by the New Mexico Department of Health to protect the health and welfare of New Mexicans across the state. This is the first time the fair has been cancelled since its inception in 1938.
In his full statement, General Manager Dan Mourning said, “Like so many others in the fair industry this crisis has made it difficult for us to continue with our normal operations. While we are heartbroken that there will be no New Mexico State Fair in 2020, we remain committed to putting the safety and well-being of our staff, vendors, and our community above all else.”
Planning for the New Mexico State Fair requires year-round efforts to coordinate all of its moving parts. During the global pandemic, planning has become untenable.
While the State Fair is just one of many events affected by the pandemic in 2020, fair staff will continue to look forward and plan for 2021. “We are grateful for your understanding and support, and especially grateful to 500,000 people who attend the fair every year,” says Mourning. “Now is the time for us to heal our community and continue to move forward.”
For additional information, please visit www.statefair.exponm.com which includes a link to an extensive FAQ page and a video message from General Manager Dan Mourning.
Gate admission purchased for 2020 will be valid for the 2021 or 2022 New Mexico State Fair.
The New Mexico State Fair is the 2nd largest and best attended event in the state, welcoming half a million people every September. It is a unique celebration of our state’s rich agricultural history, diverse art and culture, and innovative industries. The 2021 New Mexico State Fair is scheduled to run for 11 days, September 9 – 19, 2021. For more information, visit www.statefair.exponm.com.