Big times are, once again, back at the Fresno Fairgrounds.
With less than a week to Opening Day of the 2021 Big Fresno Fair, officials with the exhibition along with Fresno County public health and law enforcement officials clarified the health and safety standards for the upcoming 12-day fair.
The question at the top of minds for most likely fairgoers: will I have to wear a mask?
The short answer: yes, sorta.
Fair Deputy Manager Staci Rianda and Fresno County Public Health Officer Rais Vohra announced that fairgoers aged 2 and older would be required to mask-up when entering fair buildings.
Masks are recommended, but not required, in crowded outside spaces — including the Paul Paul Theater and Brian I. Tatarian Grandstand.
Fairgoers who are experiencing COVID-like symptoms are strongly encouraged to stay home, Rianda and fellow Deputy Fair Manager Lauri King implored.
While fair organizers have enacted a mask requirement in portions of the fair, there will not be strict enforcement by fair officials or Fresno Police officers on-hand to provide security.
During a briefing on Wednesday, fair organizers demonstrated a sanitizing fogger gun that will be deployed by staff to sanitize highly-touched surfaces, including seating across the fairgrounds.
Despite the Delta variant spike over the summer, fair organizers – citing statistics from other recent fairs – don’t expect much of a dent in attendance figures during the fall festival, with headline acts heading to the Paul Paul Theater and a full slate of horse racing on tap beyond the endless stream of eats, exhibits, and the carnival.
The Big Fresno Fair opens next Wednesday, Oct. 6, and closes Sunday, Oct. 17.
