Letter to the editor - Festival Days Parade canceled, activities still planned

Festival Days is a time-honored tradition since 1980. The Havre Area Chamber of Commerce was excited to celebrate our 40th parade through beautiful Havre. However, we are sad to announce that the 2020 Havre Festival Days Parade has been canceled due to coronavirus concerns and restrictions. The decision was made in conjunction with the Hill County Health Department that the state would not be in Phase 3 in the coming weeks. The health and well-being of our parade participants and guests, as well as that of our volunteer members, professional staff and partners, is our number one priority.

The Chamber will be coordinating social-distanced events during Festival Days weekend that promote our amazing businesses and community.

In an effort to keep spirits high, we are announcing our Festival Days Decorating contest. Businesses are encouraged to decorate their store front by 9/13/2020 using the theme of “Hindsight is 2020.” Pictures of the windows will be posted to the Chamber’s Facebook page on Sept. 17. The business with the most likes on the Chamber page will be crowned the 2020 Top Virtual Float. Watch the Chamber’s Facebook page on 9/19 for a live announcement of the winners.You must register your business to participate. Registration can be found at the Chamber office or online at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/2020-festival-days-business-decorating-contest-tickets-116119960929 .

To involve the youth of the community, we are excited to announce our kid’s coloring contest for this year’s Festival Days. Kids are encouraged to draw their favorite part of Havre or thing to do in Havre. Winners will be announced in the following categories 0 to 4, 5 to 8 and 9 to 12. To participate, take a picture of the drawing and e-mail it to [email protected] with your kid’s name and age. Drawings can also be dropped off at the Chamber. The Chamber must receive the drawings by Sept. 17.

Keep an eye out on the Facebook page for specials promoting our area businesses. Area Chamber businesses please reach out to the Chamber by Tuesday to participate.

Thank you for your support and understanding!

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Julea Robbins

Executive Director, Havre Area Chamber of Commerce