Shopping malls open Friday with the approval of the State.

IV SHOPPING 19The Hound is wondering how shopping with throngs of people indoors meets safety standards, but food-stand dining, browsing the Iroquois Village, twirling on thrill rides and strolling around in the open air at the New York State Fair doesn’t.

Fair Director Troy Waffner told local media outlets that his staff is planning for some events to give devastated Fair fans a taste of the fun they’re missing with the Fair canceled this year.

While many deride the decision to close–rightly so–let’s hope there is some redemption in those promised activities.