GANDER, N.L. — The Kiwanis Music Festivals in Grand Falls-Windsor, Gander and Carbonear and the Rotary festivals in Corner Brook and Clarenville have been cancelled amid concerns about the coronavirus spread.
On Friday, March 13, the Newfoundland and Labrador English School District canceled all extracurricular activities between schools. They hold most of the festivals at least in part in schools, and all the participants are students, which had an impact.
Danny Button with the Carbonear Kiwanis Music Festival said it was a tough decision to make, and they looked at other venues besides schools but decided this was best.
“We would be asking the public to come in and watch. The risk is too high at this point in time. We have to minimize the risk and make the decision that is best for everybody.”
In a message sent out to stakeholders, the Kiwanis Club of Grand Falls Windsor Music Festival Committee said they had no choice but to cancel the festival once the announcement came from NLESD.
“We deeply regret having to take this action, especially for the participants who have been working diligently to prepare for their performances,” the message read.
Art Windsor with the Clarenville Rotary Music Festival said before cancelling, they met with health professionals who advised them not to proceed.
“It’s for the greater good,” he said. “Hopefully we can stop this before it gets too bad.”
