Coronavirus: 2020 OC Fair Canceled For First Time Since World War II

COSTA MESA (CBSLA) — The board overseeing the OC Fair voted unanimously Monday to cancel this year's event due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.

The annual three-week event was scheduled to kick off on July 17. The OC Fair attracted more than a million people last year, but they made the decision to cancel after considering the recommendations of state and county health care officials and the improbability of mass gatherings this summer.

"The decision to cancel the 2020 OC Fair was not taken lightly by the Board," board Chair Sandra Cervantes said in a statement. "While many of our guests have expressed extreme disappointment over the idea of the 2020 Fair being canceled, we strongly believe it is the right thing to do in this current situation."

San Bernardino and San Diego have already canceled their county fairs. The California State Fair has also been canceled.

A neighbor of the OC Fairgrounds and a former fair worker said she usually goes every day when the fair is on.

"I love going to the fair, but I think given the circumstances this year, that it should be canceled," Ginny McEvoy said.

Cervantes said they would instead hold a virtual fair with contests, competitions, entertainment and concessions. Refunds for concert tickets and Super Passes that have already been purchased can be found at ocfair.com/refunds.

The one other time the OC Fair had been canceled in its 130-year history was for World War II, between 1942 and 1947.

The LA County Fair is still scheduled to start on Sept. 4.