Effective immediately, planning and preparation for the 59th Annual Kiwanis Ogeechee Fair has ceased. On Wednesday, August 12, 2020, the Kiwanis Club of Statesboro’s fair committee voted unanimously to cancel the 59th Annual Kiwanis Ogeechee Fair.
Kiwanis Ogeechee Fair was Scheduled for October 19-24, 2020
Fair Chairman Danny Beall said, “The fair committee worked tirelessly this year to make this one of the best fairs to date.” He went on to say that with the onset of COVID-19, the concern for the health and safety of the public and hard-working Kiwanians made this the only feasible decision at this time. “It is our hope that everyone stays safe and healthy. Together we will beat this. We look forward to seeing you next year!”
This difficult decision was driven by the impact of COVID-19 and the desire to do what was best for fair volunteers, fair vendors, and fair-goers. Hosting a fair that would meet CDC and State regulations would not have produced an event that would live up to the high standards that Kiwanians set for the success, safety and fun for each year’s Kiwanis Ogeechee Fair.
Current Kiwanis President Chris Caplinger said, “Given the level of community spread of the coronavirus and the recommendations of public health and governmental officials, we felt we could not responsibly operate the fair this year. I want to thank our Fair Committee, and especially Fair Chair Danny Beall, for the many hours of planning and analysis that went into this decision. We appreciate the community’s support of the Kiwanis Ogeechee Fair, and we look forward to coming back bigger and better than ever in 2021!”
Seeking Community Support in Other Ways
Kiwanians are researching and exploring other options to allow the community to support Kiwanis and allow the club to support the community in the same capacity it has in previous years.
Ashlee Corbin, fair committee member and incoming president said “Being from Statesboro and having attended many fairs, this decision was heartbreaking to be a part of. As incoming president, it is my hope that our loyal fair-goers will choose to support us through other avenues that we are looking into.”
2021 Dates Set for Rodeo and Fair
The club plans to hold the 10th Annual Statesboro Kiwanis Rodeo on April 16 and 17, 2021. The 59th Annual Kiwanis Ogeechee Fair is scheduled for the week of October 18-23, 2021.
The Kiwanis Ogeechee Fair is a fundraiser hosted by the Kiwanis Club of Statesboro. All profits are donated back into the community of Statesboro and surrounding areas. It is one of two fund-raising events hosted by the Kiwanis Club.
About Statesboro Kiwanis Club
The Kiwanis Club of Statesboro was founded in 1960. The non-profit is part of an international effort to help children in need. The majority of our efforts benefit children in this community. A portion of the funds we raise go to help meet Kiwanis International objectives which focus on the special needs of young children from pre-natal development to age 5.
