Board reconsiders earlier decision
The Waupaca County Fair Board voted to cancel the 2020 fair.
The board held a special meeting Monday, July 20, to discuss whether or not to continue the fair.
“With very heavy hearts, emotional discussion and with complete care and compassion the board sadly voted to cancel the entire 2020 fair,” according to a press release from Fair Manager Jeremy Schroeder.
On June 17, the board voted to hold the fair on Aug. 27-30.
“But within the last week the board received several new developments from companies, groups, organizations and individuals that ultimately drove the decision,” Schroeder said in the release. “While deeply disappointing not only for the board but for all of the exhibitors, entertainers, companies, sponsors, etc. the board had to put the safety of all first.”
Organizers of the Waupaca County Fair worked several months with city, county and state officials to ensure they had the most accurate recommendations and guidelines for protecting the health of exhibitors and visitors.
They developed a 30-page Contingency Action Operations Plan to address all procedures and protocols for the 2020 fair in trying to move forward to keep people safe, but the plan could not be tailored enough considering recent developments and continual daily changes.
Impossible to ensure safety
“Noting the recent spike in COVID taking place within the county, state and nation has made the challenge nearly impossible to ensure safety,” Schroeder said.
Schroeder said the board recognizes that some may completely disagree with the current state of the pandemic and the decision to cancel the fair. However, the board also recognizes the same passion among those who support this decision for safety.
“In the end, the decision wasn’t easy nor taken lightly or made quickly and isn’t about any individual, group, company, etc. winning because the fair is for the youth and families of Waupaca County and beyond to be educated and enjoy a fun and interactive environment,” Schroeder said.
The board “respects all views and encourages people to be patient, respectful and focus on staying healthy and keep the energy and enthusiasm for all of the great things the fair has to offer that will be back stronger than ever in 2021, Aug. 25-29.”