Letter from 4-H Program Coordinator, Lis Nilsson:
Dear Kitsap County 4-H Community,
It is with deep emotion that I send you this announcement from the Kitsap County Fair Manager: “Kitsap Fair and Stampede postponed until 2021. After considerable research and discussion, the Board of the Kitsap Fair and Stampede has made the difficult decision to postpone the 2020 Fair until August 25-29, 2021. The Board reviewed all options related to COVID 19 guidelines, the health and safety of our volunteers, exhibitors, entertainers, and visitors before making the decision not to have an event this year. The strict guidelines set forth by the State and the CDC are financially impossible for us at this time. Additionally, after discussion with our volunteers, vendors, exhibitors and contractors, everyone felt it prudent to err on the side of safety and start anew in 2021. The Kitsap Fair and Stampede has been a great tradition in this county for over 60 years and the Board is committed to bringing the best Fair experience to the county in the future. We will be back. We will be bigger, and we will be stronger. Thank you to all of our partners, sponsors and everyone who has helped us produce the best event in the county. We are deeply saddened by this decision but sincerely feel it is the best for all concerned. We look forward to bringing you a safe and outstanding Fair and Stampede in 2021. In the meantime, we encourage you to continue to visit our website at www.kitsapfair.net and our Facebook page, Kitsap Fair and Stampede. We will post updates and information as we move forward with the 2021 Fair. We’ll see you there!”
There is little I can say that will bring comfort. This is disappointing news for all of us but we understand that the focus on the health and safety of everyone is of the most importance. This is an unprecedented time for our world and we are all learning how to stay connected virtually. It is the strong sense of community that is the heart of moving forward through this challenge.
Thank you for all of you do for each other and the community. This is a difficult time for everyone and my heart is breaking for all of us. Take a few days to process the announcement and hold the space for the emotions that you and your club members may be feeling. The Fair is important to many of us. Please reach out to me if you would like to talk.
Sincerely,
Elisabeth Nilsson
Kitsap 4-H Program Coordinator
Elisabeth.nilsson@wsu.edu
360-228-7307