I talked my wife into not attending the Minnesota State Fair [View all]

She loves the State Fair, and had planned to go next week with a couple of friends. Since the Fair Board refuses to mandate masks or to require evidence of full vaccination, I suggested she not go this year. She finally agreed that it wasn't a good idea, despite being fully vaccinated. I didn't insist, but I continued to suggest that it was a bad idea. The local news, too, has been covering this extensively, and there are many complaints about the Fair Board's negligence and lack of serious concern.

If ever there was an event that was more dangerous during a pandemic than one where a couple hundred thousand people will be standing and walking cheek to jowl, I don't know of it. Even though we have a relatively high vaccination rate here in the Twin Cities, the Fair attracts people from all over the state, including people from conservative, rural counties that have terribly low vaccination rates.

Personally, I think it was irresponsible for the Fair Board to be that cavalier about masks. They know the risks, but decided that it would be too hard to enforce such a rule. They're probably right about that, but the correct solution would be to put the Fair off for another year.

Mass exposure to those who are infected will affect even the vaccinated, I believe. I'm glad she decided to skip the event. I'll make her some corn dogs and deep-fried cheese curds.