A Fair Shot

It has been frustrating to hear our soon-to-be former governor refuse to commit to opening the New York State Fair this year. While the Fair will certainly be among the summer entertainment and event venues dependent upon the COVID immunization status of those in attendance, progress is promising.

By April 21–four months prior to opening day–44% of New York residents had received the first dose of vaccine, with nearly 27% fully vaccinated. The rate in Onondaga County is even higher. It seems logical to expect that a majority of those who have been given one shot will return to complete the process, thus making it likely that we’ll approach the the halfway mark within the next few weeks and go much higher by mid-summer.

Ironically, one of the largest locations administering vaccination injections is the State Fair Exposition Center. That enormous building makes it easy to space out applicants and plentiful parking makes for a convenient trip.

Getting the vaccine is not only a step toward a healthier state, it goes a long way toward creating the immune herd that would make for a safe Fair. New York has developed a program by which patrons can provide proof of vaccination digitally or by a print document that may be required for admission to concerts, fairs, festivals and sporting events.

It would seem that in addition to checking Fair customers for vaccination status or negative COVID tests results, the Fair will also have to be vigilant in checking vendors and employees who work there. Many workers come from other states, including Florida, home state of many employees of the Wade Shows, producer of the midway rides and games.

There may be additional precautions mandated, such as crowd size limitations and traffic flow controls. It’s too early to know for sure how it will all play out, but it will be interesting to see how COVID-related concerns will impact Chevrolet Court concerts, where fans are frequently packed tightly.

For now, the massive Expo Center is operating as a medical facility. Those who get vaccinated there will be able to return in August when it will be used for its original purpose, hosting State Fair exhibits and events. If current trends hold, thousands who have been vaccinated will be in attendance at the Fair on Aug. 20 for what is likely to be Kathy Hochul’s first visit as New York Governor.

It’s time to announce an opening plan for the 2021 New York State Fair.