NEW YORK (WKBW) — A decision on the future of summer activities and festivals is a decision that will be made statewide and with neighboring states, New York Governor Andrew Cuomo said during a Tuesday press conference.
Cuomo delivered his daily COVID-19 update from SUNY Upstate Medical University in Syracuse Tuesday. When asked by a reporter how events in the Syracuse area, such as the New York State Fair which drew 1.3 million people in 2019, could go on, Cuomo responded:
"It breaks my heart, but they can't unless it's done statewide and unless it's done, not just statewide, but in with our neighboring states."
The governor continued on to say there was a situation where Connecticut had waterside parks open and Connecticut called and said the parking lots were filled with New York license plates, "people will get in the car and drive several hours to go somewhere," said Cuomo.
Cuomo said the decision on things like the state fair, festivals, beaches, parks and waterside attractions needs to be made in a statewide manner and with neighboring states because if one area does it and not the other, it will lead to an infusion of people and create density.
"We do almost everything together with Connecticut and New Jersey, or at least we know what they're doing and the consequences of what they're doing. But can you open the state fair? I don't think so," said Cuomo.
The Erie County Agricultural Society released the statement below following governor's comments:
"Earlier this afternoon, during New York State’s daily COVID-19 update, Governor Andrew Cuomo made remarks regarding the holding of mass gathering events this summer such as the New York State Fair. The Erie County Agricultural Society, sponsors of the Erie County Fair, is currently processing the Governor’s statement as how it might pertain to the future of the 181st Erie County Fair scheduled for August 12 -23, 2020. We have yet to receive official correspondence from the Governor’s Office with specific guidelines or restrictions to the hosting of mass gathering events. The Board of Directors of the Erie County Agricultural Society will be meeting to discuss this fluid situation once further guidance is available."
