This summer’s California State Fair has been canceled — first time since WWII

Forget the blue ribbons. The livestock exhibits. The monorail ride. The midway games. The wine garden. And the desperate quest for shade or a spot under the misting machines.

Spurred by coronavirus concerns, the Cal Expo board on Friday announced the cancellation of the 2020 California State Fair, which had been scheduled for July 17-Aug. 2 in Sacramento.

“While we had remained hopeful that the CA State Fair & Food Festival would be able to continue our 166-year tradition this summer of showcasing the best of California and entertaining the state’s residents and families, it’s clear the impact of COVID-19 will continue to be felt for the foreseeable future and that large gatherings should be postponed at this time,” the board said in a statement.

According to the Sacramento Bee, it’s the first time the fair hasn’t been held since World War II. Last year’s fair drew more than 600,000 visitors.

Officials noted that the Cal Expo state fairgrounds venue has played a crucial role during this health crisis by serving as a drive-through testing site, as well as providing space for emergency isolation trailers for homeless individuals who have been exposed to or infected by the virus.

During a normal year, Cal Expo hosts about 200 events and employs 800 seasonal workers, the board said.

“Our staff is working diligently on a strategy to safely reopen when appropriate and we look forward to the time when we can all gather again safely to celebrate the great things Californians have done and will do in the future,” the statement said.