The Ventura County Fairgrounds Board of Directors has voted unanimously to cancel the 2020 Ventura County Fair. The action comes amid unprecedented community stay-at-home and social distancing guidelines and was made to protect guests, vendors, staff and others during the COVID-19 crisis.

The Board considered ongoing guidance and updated information from State and County health care and government officials about the status of the coronavirus pandemic and the improbability that mass gatherings like the Ventura County Fair could safely and responsibly take place this summer.

“Every year thousands of happy faces come through the fair gates to enjoy the County’s most timeless tradition,” said Barbara Quaid, Fair CEO, “It is because of those smiling faces that we are completely comfortable with this decision. We are already looking forward to welcoming everybody back in 2021 when we will resume the 145thVentura County Fair. We encourage our Ventura County neighbors and friends to continue adhering to all public health guidelines so that we can all come together again in 2021.”

The Ventura County Fair began in 1875 and has returned annually, except during WWII when the Fairgrounds was commandeered by the United Stated military to protect the west coast. The 12 day VC Fair welcomes nearly 300,000 fairgoers each year and has an immeasurable economic impact to Ventura County.

“We are thankful to the healthcare workers and those who are on the front lines making extraordinary efforts to help others during this great time of need,” said Quaid, adding “ We are currently on standby to be utilized for emergency operations services at any time. We’ve partnered with Food Share to serve as a food distribution site and will continue looking for ways that we may serve the community.”

The Fairgrounds will begin hosting and planning future events once it has been deemed safe to do so. For more information and for updates regarding the fairgrounds please visit www.venturacountyfair.org or call (805) 648-3376.