Name: State Fair Meadowlands at MetLife Stadium canceled for 2020 season
Brand: northjersey.com
SKU: northjersey-com-102
Availability: OnlineOnly

critic

State Fair Meadowlands at MetLife Stadium canceled for 2020 season

preview

NorthJersey.comView CommentsThe 2020 State Fair Meadowlands has been canceled, according to its website, which said the state of New Jersey denied its 2020 plans.The fair, held at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford,&nbsp;was slated to run from July 23 to Aug. 9. The yearly event attracts scores of families and features amusement rides, carnival games, fair food and&nbsp;family-friendly shows.A post on State Fair Meadowland's Facebook page said: "We are heartbroken to announce that the State of New Jersey has denied our plans for 2020 State Fair Meadowlands.&nbsp;We will deeply miss the opportunity to celebrate summer with you. Can't wait to see you in 2021!"Al Dorso, CEO of State Fair Meadowlands, said he has "no idea" why the governor's office denied the fair's plans."It's very difficult to get information from them," he said. Dorso said the governor's office told him State Fair Meadowlands would be considered more like a concert than an amusement park, even though the fair holds amusement park licenses.The governor's office could not be immediately reached for comment."They approved every aspect of what we do," Dorso added. "Outdoor dining, outdoor rental sales, games of chance, work on the boardwalk, amusement parks. Why can't we open, as well?"According to Dorso, State Fair rented from mostly New Jersey vendors in preparation for its 2020 season, to help boost struggling ride rental companies in the&nbsp;state.&nbsp;He also had plans to run the fair for several more weeks than usual and extend hours, so the park could keep at 50% capacity but still accommodate close to the same number of guests. There would have been no in-person ticket sales, as a way to lessen person-to-person contact. Dorso said the fair would have conformed to every safety standard Six Flags: Great Adventure in Jackson Township must meet. Employees would have been tested for COVID-19 and gotten&nbsp;their temperature taken daily."We're located near many inner cities," Dorso said. "These people might not be able to go to the shore for vacation. They might not be able to afford Great Adventure. What about their summer? Does anyone care?"Story continues below.New Jersey currently has a limit of 500 people for&nbsp;outdoor gatherings due to the COVID-19 pandemic.This year, the fair had plans to bring back exhibits such as the Jurassic Kingdom (a dinosaur-themed area), the racing pig show, hypnotist Steve Bayner, comedian and magician Bob Bohm&nbsp;and live circus acts.The fair also features more than 150 rides and 50 food&nbsp;vendors.It started as a six-day event in 1986, spread out over 10 acres. In 2011, the fairgrounds moved to the larger MetLife Stadium.&nbsp;State Fair Meadowlands reports that more than 400,000 people attended last year's fair, which brought in nearly $1 million in state tax revenue.Earlier:In response to the Facebook post, some lamented the closure. Others agreed with the move, saying it is too risky to hold a large public gathering while COVID-19 is still a threat. Some wrote that they were confused as to why outdoor amusement and waterparks in New Jersey are open, yet the fair is not allowed to be held."Well, better safe than sorry,"&nbsp;wrote one commenter. "Hopefully see you next year."Rebecca King is a food writer for NorthJersey.com. For more on where to dine and drink, please&nbsp;&nbsp;and sign up for&nbsp;our&nbsp;.Email:&nbsp;&nbsp;Twitter:&nbsp;&nbsp; Instagram: View Comments

NorthJersey.comView CommentsThe 2020 State Fair Meadowlands has been canceled, according to its website, which said the state of New Jersey denied its 2020 plans.The fair, held at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford,&nbsp;was slated to run from July 23 to Aug. 9. The yearly event attracts scores of families and features amusement rides, carnival games, fair food and&nbsp;family-friendly shows.A post on State Fair Meadowland's Facebook page said: "We are heartbroken to announce that the State of New Jersey has denied our plans for 2020 State Fair Meadowlands.&nbsp;We will deeply miss the...

State Fair Meadowlands at MetLife Stadium canceled for 2020 season

No article scores yet.

CRITIC REVIEWS

PUBLIC REVIEWS