Due to continued uncertainty and changing and challenging guidelines resulting from the COVID-19 virus, the Kingwood Volunteer Fire Department (“KVFD”) membership has decided to cancel the 2020 Preston County Buckwheat Festival scheduled for September 24 -27, 2020.
Every year the well-being of the visitors and volunteers is a major concern for the KVFD. This year the concern has taken on a much greater importance.
Several different scenarios were considered. Modifications to size, events, attractions, and even dates. All traditional Buckwheat activities were examined in light of the current state and county guidelines. Ultimately, the uncertainties made the risk of attempting any type of modified Festival too great.
“Our Steering Committee, chairman, and organizers begin planning for the next year as soon as one year is over. We already have several months invested,” said David Brown, KVFD President. “We have a King and Queen, we have T-shirts and lapel pins. This was not an easy decision. A big thanks to our General Chairman, Buddy Turner, and his Assistant General Chairman, Tarrell Ries, for their work and suggestions during the KVFD Board of Directors decision-making process.” In the end the KVFD, like always, has to keep the community safe.
2020 General Chairman, Buddy Turner, hopes to see all the volunteers come back strong next year, stating, “Volunteers are what makes this Festival happen. We will start planning the 2021 Preston County Buckwheat Festival in the next few months and will need volunteerism to be at an all-time high. I cannot stress how important and meaningful the Buckwheat experience is for our high school participants and encourage them to be involved. Whether in 4-H, FFA, as a member of the Court, or as a volunteer at the grounds, you will be a better person because of your experiences and lessons learned at the Festival. Tina and I look forward to working with the 79th Court during the coming months and continuing the Court’s tradition of acting as ambassadors of the Festival.”
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