![Shemika Briscoe and her 9-year-old son Trashawn at the 2019 Ohio State Fair. [Paige Pfleger / WOSU]](https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/543c318/2147483647/strip/true/crop/3000x2000+0+0/resize/840x560!/format/webp/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Flegacy%2Fimages%2Fnews%2Fnpr%2F2020%2F05%2F860196215_1771583787.jpg)
This summer's Ohio State Fair is the latest event to be scuttled because of the coronavirus pandemic.
The Ohio Expositions Commission voted unanimously on Thursday morning to cancel the 2020 fair, which was scheduled for July 29-Aug. 9 at the fairgrounds in Columbus. Commission members said it would be too difficult to adhere to social distancing protocols.
"Knowing how easily the virus spreads in large groups, we believe it is the safest path forward for the health and safety of all Ohioans," said Andy Coehrel, chair of the commission, in a statement. "The financial ramifications of hosting a reduced-capacity Fair would be too great, and we need to protect the Ohio State Fair for future generations."
Almost 935,000 people attended last year's Ohio State Fair over its 12-day run.
The 2021 fair is currently scheduled for July 28-Aug. 8.
This is a develping story and will be updated as more information becomes available.
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