By Steven Rowland
Chatfield, MN
I would like to know what the process was in deciding to have Sundance, previous winner of The Voice, perform in Preston on the same weekend as the 50th Anniversary of Chatfield Western Days! I enjoy watching The Voice and, on any other weekend, I would, in support of another community, probably buy tickets to see Sundance perform, as I am a fan.
I am extremely disappointed in whoever made this decision to coincide with a annual community celebration less than 20 miles away! I am fully aware of all the time and energy that these events take to organize. They take a tremendous amount of time, a lot of volunteers, a lot of community involvement and a substantial amount of funding to create a successful event. I can not believe that there was any confusion as to when Chatfield Western Days takes place. I mean, we have been enjoying this premier event for FIFTY YEARS so the timing could not be a surprise to anyone! That is why I am more than a little unhappy with this apparent callous disregard for the 50th Annual Chatfield Western Days Community Celebration! This SPECIAL weekend should NOT be a competition between Root River Fest and Chatfield Western Days!!!! A competition ONLY means that both communities LOSE attendance and that is totally unacceptable! Many Chatfield community members strive to support the Community of Preston as, I am sure, the same is true of many Preston Community members.
Preston is a wonderful community in southeastern Minnesota, as is Chatfield. We also have the Root River running through our community. Our Preston “neighbors” are a very generous, respectful and caring community so it seems completely wrong that this should happen. If I “got wind” of anything like this, to conflict with Preston Trout Days, or the Fillmore County Fair, I would do everything in my power, to keep that kind of conflict or event from happening. I feel that as neighbors, we should respect and “look after” each other as much as possible. So, I am looking for an answer! Why Sundance THAT weekend!
I sincerely hope that Root River Fest is a huge success but, with FIFTY ONE “other” choices, I still would like to know, “Why Sundance” THAT weekend? Please know that this letter does not necessarily reflect the opinion of Chatfield Western Days or any other organization or person. This is solely “my opinion” but I would appreciate some sort of explanation.
Respectfully,
Steven D. Rowland
Andrea B. says
I agree, however, I think its important to clarify that its not the “People of Preston” planning this event, so it shouldn’t be painted that way to make our Preston friends look bad.. Its the Fillmore County Ag Society planning the event, which I’m assuming, as Chatfield is partially in Fillmore County, some Chatfield residents are part of.
Also, its important to realize that Sundance Head is a national touring artist, and the Ag Society needed to work with his concert promoters/managers to schedule him. There likely weren’t a ton of options.