“It’s no fair!” This seems to be the mantra for 2020.
As we move into July, we are seeing more of our businesses open, and we are eager for the go-ahead to get back out there — safety protocols in place, of course.
It has been a tough test for our Ramona Chamber of Commerce directors this year, and a tough year for anyone who is in a position of having to make decisions. The Ramona Fireworks program was not the first event the Chamber had to cancel this year, but it was heartbreaking, nonetheless. The affirmation the Chamber received from the county telling us we made the right call — because they would have canceled our permit — only let us know we made the right decision, but it didn’t help with our disappointment.
A more personal blow was dealt at the end of May, when the community lost one of its most dedicated — Bob Murray, Chamber Director and Chair of Scholarships & Educational Grants. Bob held our Scholarship Committee meeting on Zoom back in April, and four recipients were chosen from among the applicants. The Chamber was, unfortunately, not able to award the money due to the current circumstances.
Directors recently voted to create a Bob Murray Scholarship, the first of which was awarded to 2020 graduate Blake Yule of Montecito High School, thanks to a generous donation from Casey and Tiffany Lynch of Rancho Land Co. Many of the events that the Chamber holds are fundraising events. Scholarship awards are part of that money raised. Because of the Lynches, one scholarship has been given, and the Chamber is working hard to try and award the three other scholarships by the end of the year.
Now, Chamber directors have had to make another tough, heartbreaking decision — there will be no Ramona Country Fair in 2020. It’s all the sadder as this was to be the 50th annual fair.
Chamber Executive Director Joe Stupar has been in constant with the county. The situation is very fluid but given the amount of time and cost involved with preparation, the county strongly recommended that we do not go forward, because as things stand now, our permit would be denied. The rides are unable to participate, concerts are not allowed, and safety protocols would be difficult.
In addition, the Ramona Junior Fair will be going to an alternative format. The preliminary planning and work began in January, and the decision was pushed as far as possible. Attention will be turned to 2021, when the Ramona Country Fair and Ramona Junior Fair will celebrate 50 years together!
This announcement does not mean that the directors are giving up on all the community events that the Chamber puts on each year. We are still moving forward on the Taste of Ramona, the Motorcycle Rally is being expanded to a two-day event at the Ramona Outdoor Community Center (more details to come), and, of course, there is the beloved Christmas Tree Lighting!
Rest assured, Ramona Chamber of Commerce directors are not giving up on any event until there is no option left. The state is opening up, medications are working on some of the most seriously ill, and vaccines that look promising are in the works.
As tired as we all are of all things coronavirus, we ask everyone to continue to do your part. Follow the guidelines — they are not there to protect only you, they are also there to protect others. Ramona is strong and resilient. I look forward to seeing you all around R Town.
Karen Domnitz
President, Ramona Chamber of Commerce
