The Ohio Expositions Commission announced last week that the 2021 Ohio State Fair will not be open to the public. This year’s fair on July 28 to Aug. 8 will be limited to exhibitors and family members for youth and senior livestock competitions, along with educational project judging for non-livestock competitions, such as 4-H.

Popular Ohio State Fair attractions such as rides, concerts, entertainers, live music, food vendors and other features are expected to return in 2022, according to the commission’s online press release. This year’s event will focus on agricultural and educational competitions for exhibitors, their families and guests.

“Although vaccination rates are improving significantly each day, Ohio continues to fight the battle against Covid- 19,” General Manager Virgil Strickler said in the release. “Where we are today in this battle makes it challenging to plan a large scale entertainment event, not knowing where we will be, or what Ohio will look like, in late July.

“In addition, the important safety protocols that have been put in place to protect Ohioans, like indoor seating capacities, may lead to attendance that is considerably lower than previous years. The financial ramifications of hosting a typical Ohio State Fair with the same overhead costs, but far less revenue, could be devastating to our organization.”

Livestock shows are expected to begin July 19 and conclude Aug. 8. The deadline for exhibitors to enter livestock competitions will be June 20. The tentative 2022 Ohio State Fair dates are July 27 to Aug. 7.