The Waupaca County Fairest program has decided not to continue seeking applicants for 2020 due to the unforeseen challenges of COVID-19.
While the Waupaca County Fair has not been canceled, the Waupaca County Fair Board and Waupaca County Fairest of the Fair committee made the decision to not seek a 2020 Fairest because it would be an incomplete experience for participating individuals.
The Waupaca County Fairest of the Fair serves as the official ambassador of the Waupaca County Fair, representing and promoting the Fair at local events throughout the year. The Waupaca County Fairest of the Fair also makes daily appearances at the Fair.
“After much deliberation, Waupaca County Fair will not be seeking a new Fairest of the Fair this year,” said Waupaca County Fairest of the Fair Coordinator Amy Eckelberg. “Instead, we have asked 2019 Waupaca County Fairest of the Fair Katie Loehrke to stay in the role until 2021. Most of the spring promotional events our Fairest attends were canceled and many summer events stand questionable giving Katie a unfair chance to showcase her skills. The fair board and committee also felt it was unfair to bring a new person into this role when their experience would be extremely limited.”
The program has been accepting applications since March. Applications are no longer being accepted. The 2020 competition which was to be held June 28 in Manawa has also been formally canceled. Sponsors of the Fairest of the fair program will continue to be recognized and will be contacted on an individual basis.
“The Fairest program strives to provide an opportunity for individuals to grow in public speaking, etiquette, confidence, presentations, interviews and more,” said Eckelberg. “While this was a tough decision, we truly believe it’s the right one. We appreciate our sponsors and supporters who return every year. We know that Katie will continue to be a fantastic spokesperson for the Waupaca County Fair.”
Loehrke enthusiastically accepted the role of promoting the fair one more year. “Thank you to everyone that has supported this program and myself during this adventure,” said Loehrke. “I am so grateful for this opportunity to continue to promote an event and community I love.”
For 147 years, the Waupaca County Fair has been the much-anticipated summer family-friendly event in the Waupaca County area. The annual event still expects to be held August 27-30, 2020 at the Waupaca County Fairgrounds in Weyauwega.
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