CORONAVIRUS: Springfield’s CultureFest canceled

Members of Punjabi Bhangra dance group entertain the crowd with their traditional Sikh dances and clothing at CultureFest in downtown Springfield. Bill Lackey/Staff

Members of Punjabi Bhangra dance group entertain the crowd with their traditional Sikh dances and clothing at CultureFest in downtown Springfield. Bill Lackey/Staff

Another annual event in Springfield has been canceled due to the coronavirus pandemic.

“This year, we are unable to coordinate the fundraising and manage the logistics it takes to present CultureFest to our community due to COVID-19,” City of Springfield Director of Community Development Shannon Meadows said. “Additionally, we believe it is of the utmost importance to protect the health and safety of our entire community.”

CultureFest, a celebration of diversity, was scheduled to be held in September at Springfield City Hall Plaza. In previous years, the festival has featured live entertainment, vendors and cultural food.

“As we continue through the summer, we are continually faced with many unknowns and changing recommendations related to COVID-19,” Meadows said. “It is impossible to know where we will be in September, when we would traditionally gather to celebrate Springfield’s diverse culture and heritage.”

Meadows added that officials and community partners will work together to find alternative ways “to celebrate the diverse culture that defines Springfield’s heritage in a healthy and socially responsible manner.”

CultureFest has been an annual event in Springfield for 24 years. Organizers are planning to hold CultureFest in 2021, said Meadows.

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