Supporting the Downtown Community Partnership Mission
April 30, 2020Alfresco Islands
August 6, 2020
Answers to all your burning questions regarding the cancelation of the 2020 Downtown Fargo Street Fair
A message from the Downtown Community Partnership President Melissa Brandt
Why has the Downtown Fargo Street Fair Been Canceled?
We’ve made the extremely tough decision to cancel the Downtown Fargo Street Fair this year. We know how important this event is to the region, attendees, performers and vendors, and it was so difficult for the Downtown Community Partnership to vote to skip it this summer. At this time, we feel this is the best decision for the health of everyone involved and to ensure the outstanding experience vendors and attendees have come to expect continues for years to come.
Why the decision has been made now.
We thought of countless alternatives, including moving the date, but the availability of vendors and volunteers and the extra precautions needed made the event’s success seem unlikely. By making the decision now, it provides vendors and volunteers the ability to reschedule that time accordingly.
Why did we cancel after announcing we were postponing?
We thought of countless alternatives, including moving the date, but the availability of vendors and volunteers and the extra precautions needed made the event’s success seem unlikely. We strive to put on a top-notch display of Fargo’s downtown community and didn’t want anyone disappointed by the quality of this year’s event. Additionally, CDC guidelines and state recommendations include limiting events of 250 people and advises those over age 65 to avoid events and crowds.
Why not a virtual street fair?
We strive to put on a top-notch display of Fargo’s downtown community and provide the best quality goods from vendors. We are still considering safer alternatives to the fair, but at this point we don’t think a virtual fair is going to be logistically possible.
What went into the decision?
The Downtown Fargo Street Fair is a complex event that requires hundreds of people working together to make it happen, so many factors went into the board’s decision to cancel. Additional expenses in safety measures, additional paid volunteers and many vendors dropping out due to various reasons all played into the decision. From a safety perspective, the CDC guidelines and state recommendations include limiting events of 250 people and advise those over age 65 avoid events and crowds.
Who made the decision to cancel?
The Downtown Community Partnership’s Board made the decision to cancel this year’s event.
How will the DCP survive without their biggest fundraiser?
As a 501(c)6 non-profit, Downtown Community Partnership depends on this event to finance the work our organization does throughout to year to support downtown businesses. Canceling the fair this year means DCP will lose money but gives us time to regroup and ensure a successful 2021 event. Our main concern is for the safety of vendors, volunteers and attendees.
Will there be a 2021 street fair?
Yes, we know everyone is excited to gather again, and we are looking forward to an outright celebration at next year’s Downtown Fargo Street Fair. Follow our Downtown Fargo Street Fair
Facebook page for updates on what we have planned this summer as well as the 2021 fair.
What is the impact on Fargo Moorhead?
DCP will continue our work of advocating for and promoting small businesses, including finding alternative ways to support our vendors. We’re actively looking into some smaller, safe alternatives to enrich visitors’ Downtown Fargo experience this summer. We’d still love to see 150,000 people walk through the streets of Downtown Fargo this year. We just need to space it out over three months instead of three days.
Who do I contact with more questions?
Additional questions can be emailed to the Downtown Community Partnership team using the
Contact Us page.
The 2020 Street Fair is cancelled, and I have already registered for the show. What are my options?
Communication was sent to all registered vendors with guidance on how to proceed with 2020 registration fees. Please be sure to check your email for the communication and check your spam folder if you do not see it in your inbox. When can I apply for the 2021 Downtown Fargo Street Fair?
The vendor application will go live in mid-January. Be sure to follow the
Downtown Fargo Facebook Page for the announcement when the application goes live
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