SNOHOMISH COUNTY — This year’s Evergreen State Fair is canceled, the county announced Friday.
Additionally, Snohomish’s Kla Ha Ya Days are canceled for this year, event organizers announced last week.
While they are months away, the two events are among the large gatherings being withdrawn to help prevent spreading the new coronavirus.
The Fair, which wraps up Labor Day weekend, is a huge draw to the county. The last time it was canceled was during World War II, and before that it was canceled for three years during the Spanish Flu pandemic of 1918-1920.
County officials canceled the Fair after consulting with local health authorities.
On top of this, it is not known if large gatherings will be re-allowed under the state coronavirus restrictions by the time either event would have arrived.
The fair drew 355,597 visitors over its five-day timeframe last year, marking one of its top three largest crowds in its 112 year history. It brings in $5 million
Other annual events, such as Spokane’s Bloomsday Run, kicked forward their event dates affected by COVID-19. Kla Ha Ya Days’ board determined moving the date wasn’t viable when “taking into account all of the planning and preparation that is required for our event,” Kla Ha Ya Days President Andrew Urie said in a statement.
The summertime event in mid-July attracts up to 25,000 visitors, according to the city.
Organizers for both events asked for patience.
“The KHYD Board of Directors believe this is the responsible action to take in an effort to keep everyone safe during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic,” event organizers wrote in the announcement on the cancellation. “The health and safety of our participants, volunteers, sponsors, spectators, and community remains our top priority.”
Kla Ha Ya Days is refunding all vendors because of the cancellation.
It was the latest cancellation. Lake Stevens’ Aquafest and the Marysville Strawberry Festival officially have canceled, too.
The Fairgrounds, and all the events there, have been on hold because of COVID-19.
“We realize this decision will have an economic impact on our Fair participants and local businesses who depend on the Fair for their livelihood,” Fair General Manager Jeremy Husby said in a county statement. “Our overriding goal is to save lives and keep our community healthy. We are developing ideas to be creative with exhibits, competitions and entertainment to keep our cherished Fair family and community connected.”
In related news
The state fair in Puyallup, which is set to begin Sept. 4, is still scheduled to go on, a spokeswoman for that fair confirmed Friday, May 1.
“While there is still uncertainty in what a new normal will look like for all of us, we are busy planning the 2020 Washington State Fair,” its website says.
In other news - county pool, Willis Tucker Park spray pad to remain closed
The county announced today that McCollum Park Pool will not open for the summer 2020 season.
The county said in a statement:
"The decision was made due to Governor Inslee’s “Stay Home, Stay Healthy” order, social distancing requirements, and the anticipated timeline for a phased re-opening of parks and facilities prompted by the COVID-19 pandemic. "
These decisions were not made lightly. COVID-19 has caused many difficulties and pain for our residents across the county, including the economic dislocation , the ban on gatherings, and the necessity of maintaining social distance.
"Snohomish County Parks also announced today that the spray pad at Willis D. Tucker Park will remain closed until further notice, due to the difficulties of maintaining social distancing, wearing cloth facial coverings, sanitation of restroom facilities, and preventing gatherings during use.
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