Delano Herald Journal

Serving the communities of Delano, Loretto, Montrose, MN, and the surrounding area

Winstock postponed until June 2021



Winstock County music festival committee
and
Nancy Dashwood
Staff Writer

WINSTED, MN – The Winstock Country Music Festival, scheduled Friday to Saturday, June 12 to 13, in Winsted, is being postponed until Friday to Saturday, June 18 to 19, 2021.

The decision was announced April 21, and it was not made lightly.

“The number one reason we decided to postpone is out of concern for the safety of our volunteers and our community,” Winstock Country Music Festival Committee Chairman Dave Danielson said.

“With the COVID-19 pandemic, there are just too many unknowns with what the world will look like by June. As much as it hurts us to postpone Winstock, we think it is the right thing to do,” he said.

Going into its 27th year, the Winstock Country Music Festival is an annual fundraising event for Holy Trinity Catholic Schools in Winsted.

Local impact

“This is a tough one,” Danielson continued. “Without Winstock in June, it is going to be very hard financially on Holy Trinity Schools.”

Winstock planners realize the postponement will also impact area businesses.

“Not bringing 20,000 people into town will definitely take its toll,” Danielson said. “Lots of people say it is the biggest weekend of their year.”

Danielson is sure the massive local volunteer base will stick with the show for 2021.

“We hope a year off will energize our volunteers,” he said.

Danielson said although the decision is hard to accept, he is positive about the future of Winstock.

“Hopefully by next year, there will be a (COVID-19) vaccine, and we can put this bug back where it belongs,” he said.

Taking good care of this year’s ticket holders

All ticket and camping orders placed at last year’s event or through Winstock’s online/phone ordering system for Winstock this year will be valid for the rescheduled dates in June 2021.

Fans who have placed orders with Winstock will receive correspondence via US Mail within the next 7 to 10 days with additional information on their tickets/camping.

As organizers work through additional details, the Winstock website will also be updated accordingly.

Attendees should watch for the mailing, and an opportunity to contribute to Holy Trinity Catholic Schools.

“This is something we’ve never had to deal with,” Danielson said. “We are asking for everyone’s patience and support as we work through this to make sure we take care of our fans in the best manner possible. While we understand times are tough for a lot of folks, we are also hopeful some of them will consider giving a contribution to the school if they are able.”

The Winstock phone information line and e-mail system is manned by volunteers.

To avoid it being overwhelmed, people are asked to refrain from calling or e-mailing at this time, and are encouraged to watch for communication via US Mail.

Those who do need to reach out with specific questions are asked to be patient while waiting for a response.

Planning underway for an big return in 2021

The Winstock Committee is working with artist management in Nashville in an attempt to keep the artist lineup as in tact as possible for the event in 2021.

Some artists may not be able to perform on the rescheduled dates, and updates to the lineup will be shared once known.

The dates in 2021 are one week later than the normal weekend of Winstock due to a scheduling conflict with a large event in Nashville, but organizers feel moving it a week later provides the best opportunity to secure talent.

“Our fans can rest assured we will work hard to provide the best lineup possible,” Danielson said. “As we’ve said before, the health and safety of our volunteers, fans, the artists and their crews, as well as our community of Winsted, is our top priority. We are hopeful to work through this together with our fans, and that they will join us in 2021 for the best Winstock yet.”

More Information

For additional announcements, and ticket information, and everything Winstock, go to WinstockFestival.com and sign up for Winstock email news. Be sure to follow the festival on Twitter @WinstockMN.

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