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New COVID-19 Cancellations: Oklahoma State Fair; Tulsa Oktoberfest

Instagram / @OKStateFair

Two major annual Oklahoma events announced on Friday they will be canceling this year due to concerns over the worsening COVID-19 pandemic.

 

"Due to the evolving COVID-19 health crisis, its impact on community health and well-being, the 2020 Oklahoma State Fair has been canceled," the fair announced in a statement.

"After extensive communications with our many partners including other state fairs, national touring acts, state and local officials, as well as public health agencies, it became clear to the Oklahoma State Fair’s Board of Directors that cancellation was the prudent choice for 2020 and the correct course of action for the Oklahoma State Fair to do its part for community health and safety and to mitigate the potential spread of infection."

The announcement came shortly after a similar statement from the organizers of Tulsa Oktoberfest.

“Countless committed volunteers come together each year to produce one of the nation’s top Oktoberfest festivals, right here in Tulsa,” said Ashley Webb, chairman of the board of directors, in the statement.

“Our paramount concern has always been the safety and well-being of our festival-goers, entertainers, vendors, volunteers and sponsors. Despite our best efforts, we have been unable to overcome the current realities of this pandemic.”

The Oklahoma State Fair had been scheduled for Sept. 16th-26th. Tulsa Oktoberfest was to take place Oct. 22nd-25th.

The announcements come one day after the operators of the BOK Center said in a meeting of the Tulsa Public Facilities Authority that they are considering the resumption of bookings for large events at the arena as soon as early August. 

 

Chris joined Public Radio Tulsa as a news anchor and reporter in April 2020. He’s a graduate of Hunter College and the Craig Newmark Graduate School of Journalism, both at the City University of New York.
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