Governor Philip Murphy announced today that beginning on May 10, 2021, outdoor carnivals and fairs are permitted to operate at 50 percent capacity, aligned with other amusement businesses. This includes the New Jersey county agricultural fairs that could not take place last year due to COVID-19.

“This means that county and other fairs, including the New Jersey State Fair, can enjoy the same 50 percent capacity limit established at Six Flags Great Adventure,” Governor Murphy said in his press conference. “We think this is only fair, no pun intended, to allow our county organizations to move forward competently with planning for their summer events.”

There are usually 20 agricultural fairs in New Jersey each summer, including the New Jersey State Fair at the Sussex County Fairgrounds. The earliest fair is held in June, with the final fair of the season in early October.

“We are pleased that Governor Murphy’s latest re-opening steps include allowing our county fairs the option to be open for operations this season,” New Jersey Secretary of Agriculture Douglas Fisher said. “These events are important for our communities across the state to connect to our agricultural heritage and celebrate all the achievements that take place each year here in the Garden State.”

Governor Murphy also announced that “effective on May 10, the outdoor capacity for large venues (1,000 or more seats), will increase to 50 percent – with six feet of distance between seated groups.”

The Governor announced that “outdoor dining is not subject to a numerical capacity limitation. The only limitation is the number of groups you can place outdoors that can be spaced six feet apart. Indoor dining remains at 50 percent capacity.”