Lake Geneva – July 9th, 2020

Last month, the Lake Geneva Jaycees were optimistic about being able to hold the 58th Annual Venetian Festival. One of the primary benefits of Venetian Festival is the positive economic impact it has on our community and one of our goals in having the festival was to decrease the financial impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on locally owned businesses. In the last month, however, we have watched several local businesses temporarily close due to COVID-19 related issues.

After considering the local and national implications of increased infection rates and the impact that has had on businesses and lives, the organization has been moved to believe the best way to serve our community is to not contribute to the spread of the virus. With our mission statement, “Leadership training through community service,” guiding this decision, it is clear that the prudent decision is to cancel the festival in 2020, and start making plans for a better-than-ever Venetian Festival in 2021.

So many lives and livelihoods have been affected by this public health crisis, so this decision is not taken lightly. It hurts, actually. We love planning, organizing, and throwing the best summertime event in the region! The fundraising achieved by Venetian Festival helps many local organizations throughout the year. However, we take our leadership role within the community seriously, and it would be irresponsible to put the health of our community at risk for a festival. Having reviewed the CDC recommendations, we do not believe that any precautions or policies that we are able to put into place would create a sufficiently safe environment and therefore, Venetian Festival is no longer viable this year.
In lieu of the possible public health risk which Venetian Festival could present, the Lake Geneva Jaycees are proud to promote the health and wellness of our community by organizing a blood donation drive. Hospitals throughout Southeast Wisconsin are in critical need of blood as donations have been foregone due to business and school closings. The Lake Geneva Jaycees Blood Drive will be hosted at the American Legion Frank Kresen Post 24; Thursday July 30th, visit www.lakegenevajaycees.org/blooddrive to sign up today!

You can also help the organization support many worthy local causes by donating directly to the Lake Geneva Jaycees at www.lakegenevajaycees.org