Back to ‘normal’ at the New Mexico State Fair

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ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. — Day two of the New Mexico State Fair brought in a slightly bigger crowd than day one. Even though folks are excited for lots of popular events and performances to make a comeback, visitors said it doesn’t quite feel like old times.

“It’s not, it’s not the same,” said Edwina Suina, who was visiting the State Fair. “It’s just fear that people have with a big crowd like this.”

This year, proof of a COVID-19 vaccine is not required at the fair. Masks are also not required.

“I think people don’t realize that we’re still in the middle of a pandemic,” said a woman wearing a mask who wished to remain anonymous. “I wear masks because, one, I’m not vaccinated and I just got over COVID, so I feel like in order for me not to get it back right away or just spread it, it would probably be safer for me to wear one.”

The pandemic isn’t the only obstacle, either. The impact of inflation is also evident in the prices of some classic State Fair snacks.

For example, a 24 ounce cup of lemonade used to be $7.50, and now it’s $8.

GENERAL INFO