Plenty of uncertainty for State Fair

Gov. J.B. Pritzker says it is highly unlikely the two state fairs will happen this summer.

The Illinois State Fair in Springfield is scheduled for mid-August and the DuQuoin State Fair is slated for late August, however the governor’s “Restore Illinois” plan states large gatherings will not be allowed until a vaccine or effective treatment is available for coronavirus.

During his daily briefing, Pritzker said he is still hopeful a solid treatment or vaccine will be ready soon. It is not known what part of the five phase plan the state will be in by fair time but that plan states gatherings of over 50 cannot happen until there is a cure. This would be in the fifth phase.

The Illinois Department of Agriculture told WAND-TV in Decatur that the health of fair visitors is top priority and the agency will work closely with the Department of Public Health to determine the best course forward for the fairs.