Disappointing News: WBKR’s Camp Country Canceled for Second Year in a Row

I feel as if we have been here before.  The truth is we have.  This time last year, we made the disappointing decision to cancel 2020's Camp Country, which would have been the 5th anniversary of an event that is one of our favorites here at WBKR.  When we made that decision, we did so eagerly anticipating 2021.  We were convinced that, by September of this year, we'd be on our way to having the COVID-19 pandemic in the rear-view mirror.  I don't think any of us then could have foreseen where we are now.

It's a new year, but not much has changed in terms of the pandemic and how we here at WBKR, as stewards of public health, have to treat it.  Cases are up.  Local and regional hospitals are inundated with infections and critical care patients.  The Delta variant has proven itself to be quite a force- infecting the unvaccinated and even making an impact on a handful of people who are vaccinated.

Late last week, we met with our friends at Diamond Lake to discuss our options and the risks are of proceeding.  We made the collective and responsible decision to cancel the 2021 Camp Country event.

Here's why.  Simply put, there's no way, with the public health protocols we would need to enforce to ensure a safe experience for everyone, that the 5th installment of Camp Country would be as fun and entertaining as the 4th.  In other words, we want Camp Country V to be the best ever.  That's essentially impossible in the current climate.

As I said last year (and it's still and will always be true), Camp Country is a weekend full of laughs, hugs and handshakes.  It's about being together and celebrating each other in hilarious and often times, no-holds barred ways. There's no way to host Camp Country in 2021 without compromising all the things that make Camp Country what it is.

I don't want that.  Angel, Barb, Spencer, Brent or nor our friends at Diamond Lake want that.  I don't think any of you want that.  And, you all know this.  YOU are what's most important to us.

At our lunch at Diamond Lake last week, everyone at the table agreed.  Camp Country needs to return for its 5th Anniversary when the 5th Anniversary can be what it's supposed to be- the biggest, best Camp Country ever.  So, for now, that's the plan.  Camp Country WILL return.  We just don't know exactly when.  But know this, when it does, YOU will be the first to know and we promise we are going to be back with a vengeance.

In the meantime, if you have a Camp Country reservation, please do NOT call Diamond Lake. Melissa and the new Diamond Lake staff will call you.  They will be making those calls starting today.  Please be patient.  They will get to you.

Thanks so much for your understanding.  I'll close this year's announcement just like I did last year's.  Camp Country celebrates the spirit of togetherness.  It's that spirit of togetherness that has us looking forward to when we all finally get to come together again and celebrate the 5th anniversary of Camp Country.

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