Charlotte Festival Organizers Eyeing New Options As Covid Cases Force Fall Cancellations

CHARLOTTE, NC – Fall festivals may be limited and scaled down following the announcement that two large events in Charlotte have been postponed or cancelled.

Organizers say rising Covid cases and the inability to manage huge numbers of people means they’ll need to get creative in order to safely hold the events at a later date.

“We are very hopeful that we’ll be able to get back to that so-called normal in 2022,” said Matt Comer, the communications director for Charlotte Pride.

The event typically draws more than 200,000 people and has a reported economic impact of more than $8 million dollars.

“That’s money that goes directly into our local service and hospitality industry,” said Comer, “our community has been missing that for the past two years.”

He says they made the difficult decision to push the festivities, including the parade until the end of October.

“Are you vaccinated? Are you protected? Ultimately, that’s going to make sure you’re going to be safe moving forward,” said Novant Health Dr. Keatan Amin.

He says he’s cautious about large gatherings and crowds until vaccination rates increase and the delta spread peaks. He says requiring vaccination or negative tests may be the best option moving forward.

“It’s one way to ensure that everybody who is going there can have a good time and be comfortable and be safe throughout the whole time they’re there,” said Dr. Amin.

Another blow to the fall festivities; Shout!, also taking a step back.

“It didn’t make any sense. It was not something that we could actually control or feel good about,” said Robert Krumbine, the Chief Creative Officer for the Center City Partners.

The food and art displays, music performances, and seminars will be put on hold.

“Stay with us folks. We’ve got a lots of plans and a lot of pent up energy. We’ve got a lot of stuff we want to share,” said Krumbine.