COLUMBUS, Ohio (WTVN)--After being canceled altogether in 2020 due to the coronavirus pandemic, officials at the Ohio State Fair decided that this year, the fair will be closed to the public.
The Ohio Expositions Commission cited both the ongoing pandemic, and the concerns over costs to implement proper COVID-19 protocols.
The fair will be limited to agricultural and educational competitions, with attendance only allowed by family members and guests.
Officials hope to have concerts, rides, and other fair traditions return in 2022.
Livestock shows for the 2021 fair are set to begin July 19th, and last through August 8th, at the Ohio Expo Center. The 2022 fair is scheduled for July 27th through August 7th.