Based on Gov. Gavin Newsom’s press conference on April 14, mass gatherings are not likely to be allowed for the foreseeable future. Therefore, it is the decision to postpone the San Diego County Fair to 2021. The postponement of the Fair was announced at the monthly 22nd District Agricultural Association board of directors meeting at the Del Mar Fairgrounds on April 14. “The health and safety of our community take precedence during this unprecedented time of crisis,” said Tim Fennell, CEO/general manager of the Del Mar Fairgrounds. “The San Diego County Fair is a beloved family tradition for more than 1.5 million San Diegans each year, as well as a source of livelihood for numerous individuals and businesses. Yet with the continued impacts of COVID-19, postponing this year’s fair is the right thing to do.”
This fair’s theme couldn’t be more relevant: Heroes, Unite! “Now, more than ever, we’re acutely aware that some of our very greatest heroes walk among us. We are so thankful to the healthcare workers and first responders who are keeping our communities safe, the teachers who keep our children learning and the countless community heroes who are going to extraordinary efforts to help others during this great time of need,” Fennell said. “That’s why we’ll be proud to carry this theme through to next year’s fair – honoring the heroes who continue to emerge throughout our community.”  
Making the decision to postpone this year’s fair was no easy feat. Yet, as the largest annual event in San Diego County and one of the top five fairs in North America, they are following the recommendations of public health officials to postpone mass gatherings until it is safe to host them again.
 For now, the fairgrounds are currently on standby to be utilized for Emergency Operations Services at any time. “We’ve partnered with the San Diego Food Bank to serve as a food distribution site, have donated several hundred N95 masks to health care providers and will continue looking for ways to serve the community,” Fennell said.