COVID–19 Cancellation
| COVID-19 Cancellation of PAF 2020.pdf |
Out of an abundance of caution, given the serious threat of COVID-19 and the daily breaking news reports cautioning us all, with regret, the Pelham Art Festival Committee has decided to cancel the 34th Annual Pelham Art Festival scheduled for Mother’s Day weekend, May 8, 9 and 10, 2020. We have now heard that we may anticipate many more weeks or months of needing to practice social distancing and careful avoidance of spreading the virus. Many people are currently in social isolation and facilities are closed. We have been in touch with the local Health Department and the Meridian Community Centre, and heeded the daily news precautions of the Federal and Provincial Governments and of Public Health Professionals and are also reacting to emails received. As of March 16, 2020, our venue, the Meridian Community Centre has been closed indefinitely.
Since we do not know how long COVID -19 will continue to spread, we wish to keep artists, volunteers and the community of people who plan to attend the Festival safe. We are all asked to practice social distancing and to stay home to avoid spreading the virus. We urge everyone to check the website, pelhamartfestival.com to look up each of the artists who were registered for the show and enjoy their work online! We continue to support our artists and will attempt to showcase each one on social media.
Thank you to the 79 Artists who had planned to exhibit at the 2020 show and to the 100 or more Volunteers who were eager to come to help to set up the show and to take a turn to help on the actual weekend. Thank you to our generous sponsors, the Presenting Sponsor, The Town of Pelham; Partners, Davids & De Laat, Classical 93.3 FM, Giant FM 91.7 Classic Rock; Supporters, Sun Life Matt Dam Financial Services INC., Cruise Holidays Niagara, Meridian Credit Union, and Marando Family Dentistry; and Friends, MT Bellies, Chambers Insurance Professionals INC and Storm Hair Group. Thank you to the Niagara Launch Program students who were going to help set up the boards and Rose City Kids, who had planned to prepare and serve delightful finger foods and to Churchhill Natural Meats and Nature’s Corner Bakery and Cafe who planned to cater delicious foods on Saturday and Sunday. Thank you to Jim Casson for arranging music, once again. Thank you to Meridian Credit Union volunteers and to those who planned to donate goods and services. Thank you to the Meridian Community Centre staff and a very special thank you to the dedicated team of Pelham Art Festival Committee members who have worked so hard since August of 2019 to arrange this event.
In these unpredictable times, we must all appreciate the simple moments and cherish the deepest values: family, friends, love and health. We need to support each other the best way we can to stay safe.
So regretfully, we must cancel the Pelham Art Festival this year in the interest of having a much more successful show in 2021. So, save the date for next year! We look forward to seeing you on May 7, 8, 9, 2021!
Heidi TeBrake on behalf of the Pelham Art Festival Committee
