DES MOINES, Iowa -- The Iowa State Fair gets to keep some of the money people already spent before this year's event was canceled by COVID-19.
"We've had sponsors do that, we've had campground people do that, we've had ticket buyers do that, because we've rolled a lot of our concerts to next year" says Iowa State Fair General Manager Gary Slater.
He says businesses and other organizations that rent booth space in the Varied Industries Building have also told the fair to keep their 2020 money
"We've had 30 to 40 percent of our people say we should keep the money for next year if that will help this year. Of course, they won't have to pay that booth rent next year because it will be on file" Slater says.
He says the Iowa State Fair's operation makes 90 percent of it's revenue during the month of August, which helps cover ongoing costs, including employing 70 people
The 2021 Iowa State Fair is scheduled for August 12th through the 22nd.