The Earl Warren Showgrounds has cancelled all events through the end of March because of the coronavirus pandemic, most notably the 75th annual Santa Barbara International Orchid Show.
Showgrounds CEO Ben Sprague said the Governor’s Office sent fair managers a request to postpone or cancel all non-essential indoor or outdoor gatherings over 250 people on Wednesday.
“The state’s public health experts have determined that gatherings should be postponed or canceled across the state until at least the end of March,” the letter read.
“Gatherings of individuals who are at higher risk for severe illness from COVID-19 should be limited to no more than 10 people, while also following social distancing guidelines.”
Orchid Show managers canceled the show Thursday morning. They will not reschedule.
This is a breaking news story, check back for more updates.