After lengthy and thoughtful debate, the Visit Fairmont Board of Directors has decided that they cannot proceed with hosting the 2021 Minnesota Governor’s Pheasant Hunting Opener.
The decision to submit an application to host this event was made in 2019. It was announced in October of 2019 that Fairmont was selected to host the 2020 Minnesota Governor’s Pheasant Hunting Opener. In August of 2020, Governor Walz postponed the event until 2021.

Visit Fairmont’s Board of Directors saw the Opener as a fabulous vehicle to showcase our community, our area, and our great state of Minnesota. Due to the impact of the pandemic which shortened the timeline of the planning and fundraising process, we are facing the reality that we likely would not be able to perform all of the functions that would be required to successfully implement the event. “With that reality, we wondered how this would impact all of the partners that we have pulled together for the opener, and how we could, in good conscience do the substantial fundraising that is needed to host this event” says Board Chair Bruce Peters.

Executive Director, Stephanie Busiahn stated, “Visit Fairmont understands what an honor it was to be chosen as a host community. It is our sincere hope that we will again be considered to host this event when we are able to schedule all of the necessary components with the certainty that they will be able to be held”.