Dear Friends of SOFD,
Since the (COVID-19) pandemic first began, we stepped up our meetings to monitor just what this could mean for Stanton Old Fashioned Days in August of 2020. No matter how many times we met, Governor’s addresses we watched, or emails we exchanged with local and state officials, no one could tell us for certain what our festival could look like, who would attend and participate, or if we would even be allowed to host our annual event.
In a small community like Stanton, we are not immune to any tragedy or significant event that would affect our families, friends and neighbors, including a National health crisis such as COVID-19. Even with lower cases reported in our region, it would seem very probable we might all know someone who tested positive or became sick from the virus. We all have been affected in one way or another. And because of that, we take your health and the safety of others very seriously.
Therefore, the final decision was made Wednesday, July 8th, 2020 at an Executive Board meeting of the SOFD Committee to cancel the 2020 Stanton Old Fashioned Days Festival.
While this decision may have been inevitable, it was not for lack of effort. Members had previously developed alternate plans to try and hold a safe weekend by downsizing or cancelling many of the events and activities in order to minimize people’s exposure to one another, yet still allow the public to get out and about. However, with the recent spike in cases in our area, we agreed we could no longer hold the festival and have the assurance of a safe environment for participants, vendors, sponsors, and our community.
We are thankful for all of your thoughts, comments, and feedback in making our decision. Please know, we listened to every voice and read every message with the sole purpose of trying to guarantee a safe festival for everyone and we just could not do that.
Plans and meetings are already in motion to host the 2021 Stanton Old Fashioned Days and we welcome any ideas or volunteers and organizations that would like to help us put on the festival for our community!
On behalf of the entire Stanton Old Fashioned Days Committee, thank you all for your patience, understanding and continued support of the festival. We hope you and your family are safe and healthy.
Steven D. VanHolstyn, Chairman
Stanton Old Fashioned Days Committee