American Festival canceled due to COVID-19 concerns

By: 
Press Staff Writer

        The German American Festival Society, parent of the German American Festival, voted on July 9 to cancel the 55th German American Festival scheduled for Aug. 27-30 at Oak Shade Grove in Oregon.
        “This decision was held off until the last possible moment and was not arrived at lightly,” said Festival Chairman Joe Petersberger. “Our Board of Trustees took the mandates issued by the State of Ohio concerning mass gatherings into consideration, but ultimately, it is the welfare and safety of our guests, vendors, entertainers and volunteers, with respect to COVID-19, that we made this painful decision.
        “With the revised guidelines regarding mass gatherings and social distancing changing daily, the only responsible thing to do was cancel this event for 2020,” he said.
        This will be the first time since its inception in 1966 that the German American Festival has been canceled.
        For 55 years, the festival has been a summertime staple, welcoming guests to enjoy the hospitality and culture of Germany and Switzerland. What began as a small “picnic” in 1966 has become a highlight event in Northwest Ohio. Last year, the festival drew approximately 40,000 people.
        “The German American Festival Society and German American Festival Committee would like to thank the countless number of people who have supported us over the years and we look forward to welcoming you all to the German American Festival next year from Aug. 26-29, 2021,” Petersberger said.
        “From the bottom of our hearts we thank you all for your continued support. Please stay healthy.”

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