DES MOINES, Iowa -- Planning is still underway for a 2020 Iowa State Fair during the COVID-19 coronavirus outbreak.
"We have some time on our side. We need about 60 to 70 days prior to the fair, and we start August 13th. We're going to take these next three or three-and-a-half weeks or so and watch the changes" says Iowa State Fair General Manager Gary Slater.
He says the State Fair may have a different look and feel in a year with a global pandemic.
"It may include your favorites, it may not include your favorite things, but we'll get back to that in years to come" he says.
Slater also says they already know the fair this year is likely to see smaller crowds.
"I do know there will be people who make choices to stay away from crowds this year. Financially, we'll be factoring that in as we put together what we hope to put together for this year" he says.
So far, 22 county fairs in Iowa have either been cancelled or scaled back because of COVID-19 concerns.
The 2020 Iowa State Fair was scheduled to start August 13th.