The North Carolina State Fair recently announced its COVID-19 health and safety guidelines ahead of its opening day next week. This year, neither masks nor vaccinations will be required.
Per the state fair’s news release, the annual event will look different this year.
“Some of your favorite vendors may have decided the best decision for them is to sit this year out,” read the release. “Some of your favorite exhibits may have scaled back. We completely respect each small business owner’s decision to do what they feel is best for themselves and their employees.”
State fair officials said it will have been 718 days since they closed their gates on October 27, 2019 – and after the fair was canceled in 2020, they hope every fairgoer will do their part to protect both themselves and others in attendance.
Official recommendation for fairgoers include getting vaccinated against COVID-19, wearing a face covering, social distancing, washing hands, and choosing fair dates with smaller crowds to mitigate risk.
These recommendations, however, are not mandatory nor will they be enforced.
Fair officials said since the number one thing people come to the fair for is the food, it would be “extremely difficult” for staff and public safety officers to enforce a mask mandate.
“We know to have a safe and successful event, we need every fairgoer to do their part to protect both themselves and others in attendance,” the release continued. “We acknowledge that there is no perfect solution, and that nothing any of us does will provide a completely risk-free experience.”
It was also recommended to get tested after your visit to the fair. The state health department says people who are not vaccinated should get tested for COVID-19 three to five days after attending any large event attended by those who do not live in your home.
Finally, fair officials are asking attendees to “practice kindness.”
“Seriously, we are all in this together,” officials said. “A little kindness and patience will go a long way to making this event the best on record. The world is short-staffed, even the fair. Please be kind to those who have shown up and put in the hours to make the 2021 N.C. State Fair ‘Worth the Wait!”
The N.C. State Fair opens on October 14 and runs until October 24, 2021.
Lead photo via N.C. State Fair.
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