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Covid cancels art festival a second year

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Since 2004, the Driftless Area Art Festival has weathered storms, floods, temporary relocations, and a pandemic-related cancellation. Planning committees responded to the challenges, and welcomed crowds over 5,000 strong to visit and support the yearly gatherings of 80 juried artists representing a wide variety of forms and media.

2021 was shaping up to be another popular event. But due to the uncertainties arising from the renewed COID-19 epidemic, organizers decided once again to cancel what would have been the 17th annual festival, Sept. 18 and 19, for the second consecutive year.

“This decision has not been an easy one,” said committee co-chair Phil Tegen. “The committee discussed the planning and expenses, including those for artists and vendors, involved in moving forward with this year’s event. The festival is a totally outdoor event. But given current, and in some areas growing, Covid-related uncertainties, we have made the difficult decision to cancel the 17th annual festival,” he said.

The planning committee had to factor in the challenges and potential risks involved when large crowds interact in limited spaces, especially given the current uptick in covid cases. 

“We have to focus on the health and safety of our artists, volunteers, attendees, community and the future well-being of our festival,” co-chair Anita Tegen said. “We feel it is important to both help keep community spaces safe and our local economies strong,” she added. “Although the physical event will not take place this year, we will continue to highlight and celebrate our 2021 artists online via our festival website, Facebook and Instagram.”

More than 70 artists were selected in a jury process in early spring, art teachers were gathering pieces for exhibit in the Youth Art tent, four musical groups were committed to perform, and nine food and beverage vendors were planning to provide their culinary art.

“It was a difficult decision, but unanimous among the members of the planning committee,” said Lori Bekkum, fest coordinator.

 Major funding partners for the festival have included Community Development Alternatives, Peoples State Bank, the village of Soldiers Grove and its Community Development Corporation, GoMacro, Crawford County, and Wisconsin Public Radio, along with the Festival Friends group and other corporate and private sponsors. 

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