These past few weeks have been full of announcements of cancellation of events and festivals. All due to the current Covid-19 Pandemic. Some of these are for events that had been scheduled for July and August, but there has also some that wouldn’t be happening until the later months of 2020.
The comments I have seen mostly have been positive and understanding. But there has been many that have said, “Too Soon”, “fearmomgering at its peak”, “just cancel living” and other negative responses.
Even though the country is beginning to lift restrictions, it is still recommended to have small gatherings. 10, 50 and even a hundred is much smaller that the 1000’s that can attend a local festival.
No one really knows what it’ll be like in two weeks, let alone in 6 months
Many factors goes into having a community event/festival. One is it tales volunteers. Volunteers to organize, and additional ones to help during the event. These Volunteers spend a lot of time, often meeting once a month or more often. And even though these meeting could be virtual, they are better when people can work together in person. Which until recently hasn’t happen since we have been requested to Stay-at-home. Many of these volunteers are also in the higher risk factor age group.
Free events aren’t free. Yes, you may be able to attend one and not have to spend a dime. But the event organizers have spent a lot of money. Insurance, performance fees and often even permits fees. This doesn’t include additional costs for security, comforts (such as port-pots, tents, table and chairs).
And where does much of the money come from? Often times it comes through Sponsorships from local business. Business that may have not been been open since Mid-March until recently. And some still aren’t allowed. Businesses have seen their incomes as much less than expected. If any at all. Some don’t know how much longer that they may even be in business.
Having been part of committees putting on a festival, including one that has just announced its 2020 cancellation, every year there is a common thought: “One bad festival year could be the end of the festival”.
Yes, it’s depressing to see the events and festivals that you enjoy every year being cancelled. I don’t like having to pass along those announcements either. But one thing you can be sure of, these cancellations was not an easy decision to make. The ones making the decisions really didn’t want to make it, but knew for the greater good had to be made.