Syracuse, N.Y. (NCC News) — August 20 is coming up, which means the New York State Fair is on the horizon. For fair-goers preparing their trip, they’ll have to remember to pack a mask if they want to go inside any buildings. Onondaga County Executive Ryan McMahon on Tuesday introduced an indoor mask mandate for the event, which is something state fair public relations manager, Dave Bullard, expected.
“What we’ve said all along is that we’ll implement the guidance that’s in place at the time and that’s what we’re doing,” Bullard said.
In 2019, the state fair saw over 1 million people over their 13 days of operation. Considering nothing was held in 2020, Bullard sees this year as progress, even though people will have to put masks on indoors.
“It’s been a rough year and a half; People had to put their lives on hold. They can come together again to be with their friends, family, or have a date night,” Bullard said.
ANCHOR: Indoor mask wearing is officially mandated at the New York State Fair. NCC News Reporter, James Kattato says despite Onondaga County taking a step back, it’s still progress toward the ultimate goal.
DAVE BULLARD: “We knew that this was coming and we’ve been preparing for it.”
REPORTER: On Tuesday, County Executive, Ryan MacMahon signed an order requiring masks indoors at the State Fair. Public Relations Manager at the fair, Dave Bullard says the well-being of all fair-goers is their top priority.
BULLARD: “There’s really no way to predict what attendance is going to be like. Our number one job is to just make sure that everyone that comes in here is as safe as humanly possible.”
REPORTER: Despite having to now wear masks inside, Bullard says people having fun with each other during the fair at all, even after a tough 2020, is a step in the right direction.
BULLARD: “The most important part of the fair is not that the fair exists. It’s that it’s a place where people can come and be together. Those things can go on again and that’s obviously important. People need to feel that.”
REPORTER: The state fair kicks off Friday, August 20th. James Kattato. NCC News.
