Calumet County Fair cancelled

June 18, 2020

The Brillion News

The following press release was issued to The Brillion News announcing the cancellation of the 2020 Calumet County Fair.

Each year the Calumet County Fair partners with the surrounding community to provide educational displays, showcase exhibitors and provide vendors and sponsors an opportunity for their business to participate. Most importantly, it has given our community a place to gather, meet old friends and make new ones and spend time with family in a safe and friendly environment.

After countless hours of discussions and weighing various scenarios, it is with much disappointment that the Calumet County Fair, which was to be held Labor Day Weekend, is being cancelled. With the uncertainty of the COVID-19 situation some hard decisions had to be made in order to keep our community and fair families safe. We look at the fair as an opportunity to bring people together, but the need for social distancing poses challenges that we feel we cannot overcome. The Fair Board, along with guidance from the Calumet County Health Department have reached an agreement that in good conscience, a fair could not take place this year.

Planning the fair takes a huge investment of time, energy and money by countless individuals and businesses. The Fair Board tries extremely hard to ensure the safety of every person who comes to our grounds every year. However, this year the feasibility of keeping thousands of our friends and family members safe weighed deeply on our decision. The difficulties involved with social distancing presents many challenges that we felt are insurmountable.

Another major consideration in this decision was the economic impact on our community due to COVID19. Many of our sponsors, exhibitors, volunteers, and community members are experiencing financial hardship due to the current situation. We, as a board, felt it was unfair of us to ask for more during this time to sponsor and participate in this years’ fair.

We thank all of you for your understanding. This was probably one of the most difficult decisions ever faced by the Calumet County Agricultural Association and it was not taken lightly. We are already planning for Labor Day Weekend 2021 and will work hard to make it the “Biggest Little Fair in Wisconsin”! Calumet County Agricultural Association