Pritzker cancels Illinois fairs over coronavirus concerns
DuQuoin State Fair in DuQuoin, Illinois. (Photo: Getty Images)
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. - The Illinois State Fair in Springfield and the Du Quoin State Fair have been canceled due to the coronavirus pandemic, Gov. J.B. Pritzker announced Friday.
In a statement, Pritzker said canceling the fairs was “the right choice based on guidance from the Illinois Department of Public Health and other experts.”
The Illinois State Fair, held annually in August, was last canceled from 1942 to 1945 during World War II. This year is the first time the Du Quoin State Fair has been canceled since the state took over the fairgrounds in 1986.
Under Pritzker’s plan to reopen Illinois’ economy, the fifth phase — when large events, festivals and conventions can resume — requires the availability of a coronavirus vaccine or no new cases over an extended period.
A spokesman says Senate Republican Leader Bill Brady of Bloomington is not happy with Pritzker’s decision.
“Leader Brady is disappointed that once again a decision of critical importance, with significant economic impact, is being made unilaterally by the governor without any legislative input,” spokesman Jason Gerwig said in a statement.
Although the fairs are canceled, the Department of Agriculture will host a Junior Livestock Expo in Springfield in September.