In a hopeful sign of a return to normal life, Chadron Fur Trade Days Inc says the community’s annual celebration is coming back July 7-11th.
FTD President Dave Hockenbery says cancelling last year because of COVID-19 was hard, he and the board are excited that the celebration is coming back and hopefully better than ever.
The 2019 Fur Trade Days made some major changes including moving some events from the courthouse to try to get the downtown area more involved. Not all were well received, so the Traders Market and cultural performances are back at the courthouse.
Hockenbery says the two biggest entertainment events are returning downtown – the carnival and two nights of street dances.
Before the Friday street dance, there will be a family-friendly musical performance at the courthouse that Hockenbery says is another direct response to input from Fur Trade Days attendees.
Hockenbery says Fur Trade Days is committed to the health and safety of attendees, vendors, and organizers, so any public health measures that may be in force at that time will be followed.
Bringing back the carnival in 2018 after several years absence and adding the street dances have driven up the cost of putting on Fur Trade Days from about $5,000 in 2015 to more than $56,000 in 2019.
Hockenbery says strong sponsorship support from local businesses has made the expansion possible, but more sponsors and donations from private citizens would be welcome.
Information on giving and updates on all things Fur Trade Days is available at furtradedays.com or on its Facebook page.