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Big events cancelled: There will be no Elizabeth Community Fair, Oktoberfest and Galena Country Fair this year
GALENA–Three mainstay events in Jo Daviess County won’t happen this year–the Elizabeth Community Fair, Galena Oktoberfest and Country Fair.
Elizabeth Community Fair
Originally rescheduled from July to August as a result of the pandemic, the Elizabeth Community Fair Board of Directors has now opted to postpone the 100th Elizabeth Community Fair until 2021.
After reviewing the details of Illinois’ phased reopening plan, fair organizers agreed that hosting the fair this year would not be possible due to the current COVID-19 pandemic and social distancing guidelines, fair organizers agreed.
The directors called it an incredibly difficult decision.
“Even though we have looked forward to celebrating our 100th anniversary this year, our main concern is the safety and well-being of you, our community, volunteers, staff, and board members,” said Don McLane, fair board presidents.
“We will miss seeing you all in 2020; however, this allows us to continue to plan for a bigger and better fair in July 2021. Thank you all for your support of the Elizabeth Community Fair and we will see you all in 2021.”
Oktoberfest
The Galena Lions Club has cancelled this year’s Galena Oktoberfest, originally scheduled for Saturday, Oct. 3.
Because of the uncertainty of the potential spread of Covid-19, the ongoing restrictions of large gatherings by the state and region, and the unlikely prospects of a full reopening by the fall, the club has made this difficult decision.
Along with the cancellation, there will be no memorabilia available such as posters, mugs, or t-shirts.
The club will plan to host the 14th annual Galena Oktoberfest on Saturday, Oct. 2, 2021.
“The Galena Lions Club thanks you for your understanding, as well as your past and future support,” said Galena Lion Lisa Schoenrock. “Volunteers, patrons, musicians, supporting businesses, polka dancers, and wiener dogs, we look forward to seeing you all again next year. With the profits of Galena Oktoberfest, this club has provided necessary support to tens of thousands of people over the years. We’re planning to continue to do that in the future.”
Visit www.galenalions.org, the Galena Oktoberfest Facebook page, or call 815-331-0180.
Galena Country Fair
Galena Country Fair, scheduled for Oct. 10-11 has been cancelled due to future uncertainties of the coronavirus pandemic.
The annual event, held on Columbus Day Weekend in Galena’s Grant Park, draws more than 10,000 visitors, features more than 150 vendors, and relies on the assistance of hundreds of volunteers from the communities of Jo Daviess County.
Ed Bochniak, fair chairperson explains, “It saddens us to not be able to host the event this year, but our focus must be on the health and safety of our artists, volunteers, fair attendees, and the citizens of Jo Daviess County. It was a difficult decision, but one that was made for the common good, as well as the future well-being of the fair.”
For fairgoers interested in shopping the vendors, or finding a special holiday gift, an expanded vendor list will be posted on the event’s website (galenacountryfair.com) closer to the fair’s original date.
To receive a notice when the virtual fair is live, follow the fair at facebook.com/galenacountryfair or join the fair’s email list at galenacountryfair.com/email.
Galena Country Fair’s all-volunteer committee has already begun directing their efforts towards the 2021 event, which is scheduled for Oct. 9-10, 2021.