Coronavirus: Frankfort Bluegrass Festival Canceled For 2020

FRANKFORT, IL — The Frankfort Bluegrass Fest Committee announced it has canceled the annual Frankfort Bluegrass Festival scheduled for July 11 and 12 due to the coronavirus outbreak.

“Unfortunately our beloved festival will be canceled this year due to the COVID-19 outbreak and the committee’s overarching concern for the health of our many followers, musicians and volunteers,” said Steve Haberichter, a founding member of the festival. “This has been a very tough determination to make, but we feel as a committee it is the most prudent decision."

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Illinois Coronavirus Update April 14: Death Toll Near 800

Haberichter said the committee is looking ahead and planning a great festival for 2021.

The cancellation announcement comes after Gov. J.B. Pritzker suggested canceling large summer events.

"Until we have a vaccine, which is months and months away, I would not risk having large groups of people getting together anywhere. I think that's hard for everybody to hear but that's just a fact," Pritzker said. "Even with testing and tracing and treating, as is necessary for us to begin to make changes, it isn't enough for me to say that it's OK to have a big festival with a whole bunch of people gathering together.

Read more:

• Illinois Coronavirus Update April 11: 17,903 Cases; 597 Deaths