Press Release
Fairbury Chamber of Commerce
2007 Final Year for Fairburyfest
Contact: Sharon Priefert, 402-729-3000

It is official…2007 marked the  final year that the community of Fairbury will be holding the annual September festival, that has been known in the past as “Germanfest” and most recently, “Fairburyfest”. 

The Fairbury Chamber of Commerce has recently held meetings to receive feedback from the businesses, as well as, community members of Fairbury and the surrounding areas. The primary discussion that was held at these meetings was the following:

1.      A September date conflicts with Nebraska Football.
2.      There needs to be more volunteers to sustain an event in Fairbury.
3.      What should the focus be: draw outside visitors to the community or organize an event just for those that live in the community?

Plans are now in the works to organize an event during the weekend of June 6, 7, 8, 2008. This weekend already host the annual Rails and Trails Days put on by Rock Creek Station and the Rock Island Depot.

“Our thought process is that Rails and Trails Days is already drawing people to this area and that by the Rock Creek Station, Rock Island Depot and the Fairbury Chamber of Commerce working together, we can make it a weekend that has something for everyone” said Sharon Priefert, Director of the Fairbury Chamber of Commerce.

Priefert also stated, “A decision in regards to the date needed to be made quickly, as the Chamber is looking to apply for a state grant that is required to be submitted in January.”

The Chamber of Commerce has not decided on a theme or a name for the event at this time. Many ideas were discussed at these previous meetings and the Chamber is looking for volunteers to help organize the different activities. Some of the ideas discussed include: mountain oyster feed, car and bike show, re-enactments and living history displays, mud drags, parade, kids run, flea market and craft vendors, Wild Bill Look-a-Like contest, barbeque, street dance and more.

The Fairbury Chamber of Commerce invites anyone with input to attend the next meeting to be held, Tuesday, December 11, 2007 at 6:30pm at Trailblazers Restaurant in Fairbury.

The Fairbury Chamber of Commerce helps business and community member’s work together to advocate and promote free enterprise, commerce, and trade to achieve economic prosperity, growth and enhance the quality of life in Fairbury and the surrounding area.