After much discussion, the Wild West Festival Committee members have agreed that it is in the best interest of the well-being of our community, volunteers, and sponsors, that we postpone our festival events until next year. This is due to the public health mandates associated with COVID-19, as well as the challenges of our current economy. Please know that this was a very difficult decision and was not taken lightly.
The fireworks show for this year is planned to take place as scheduled on Saturday, July 4, thanks to our sponsors, including the City of Hays. The Wild West Festival would like to thank every sponsor and volunteer, as well as our fans. You are amazing, and we cannot wait to see you when we celebrate Independence Day together with a spectacular fireworks show over Hays, America!
Wild West Festival to forgo concerts, keep fireworks - Apr 17, 2020 - Hays CVB
Apr 17, 2020 – Hays CVB
The Wild West Festival’s executive committee met this week to discuss this summer’s multi-day event. After difficult conversations, the group agreed that the concerts will not take place.
Wild West Festival was scheduled for Wednesday, July 1, to Saturday, July 4, in Municipal Park in Hays, and would normally include three nights of concerts, Main Street parade, carnival, and free fireworks show. The parade and carnival are still being discussed. Plans will depend on state regulations at that time.
The committee stated that necessary sponsor funds have not been secured in order to effectively proceed with festival planning.
“Sponsors are not in a position to give and we understand that,” said Sandi Maier, Wild West Festival event coordinator. “With so many unknowns in our community’s future, we can’t proceed as usual with an event of this scale.”
Maier has been involved with the festival committee for 12 years; six years as a committee member, and the last six years as event coordinator.
Maier confirmed that the free fireworks show will still take place on Saturday, July 4, thanks in part to the City of Hays fulfilling their sponsorship commitment.
“For that, we are truly grateful, because I know our community will be ready to celebrate Independence Day together any way we can,” said Maier.
The Wild West Festival is a 501(c)4 nonprofit corporation organized for the purpose of providing an annual community festival celebrating the customs and traditions of Hays.