Over the past few weeks, several popular events have been called off due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
With events planned for December already being canceled, it appears the remainder of the 2020 schedule will mirror much of the first six months of the year.
While most Bartholomew County residents can empathize with event decision-makers, a minority of locals have bemoaned the cancellations — especially on social media. Some have gone as far as saying that the decisions are politically motivated, insinuating their friends and neighbors in charge have ill intentions.
That’s far from the case.
There’s no hidden agenda, and it’s ludicrous to think community members haven’t explored every option possible to help keep traditions alive. Many have even gone as far as offering virtual options.
The online response to one recent event change was especially troubling.
The annual 9/11 remembrance ceremony, which is held at Columbus City Hall, was called off last week by the Columbus Fire Department. As an alternative to the traditional service, CFD will produce a remembrance video tribute that will be shared on the fire department’s social media pages and City of Columbus website next week.
Soon after the news release, a handful of people took to Facebook to blast the decision made by the very people who help keep our community safe. To question the integrity of the first responders, for moving an event online during a worldwide pandemic, is questionable at best.
On Tuesday, a similar response came when the Festival of Lights Parade was canceled. The event, put on by nonprofit agency JAKKS Inc., typically draws 7,000 to 10,000 people to downtown Columbus. Organizers said somewhere between 10,00 and 15,000 people are involved in the event overall.
With the amount of planning that takes place, and number of people involved, it would be impossible to hold the event in good conscience.
But that didn’t stop some from sounding off on the decision.
While it may feel like an inconvenience, safety has to continue to top the list of priorities in our area. Celebrations, festivals, and memorials are all important, but special considerations need to be made this year.
COVID-19 isn’t disappearing in Indiana. Bartholomew County’s spread has stayed manageable over the past few weeks, but most all indicators aren’t trending downwards statewide.
Instead of getting upset, reach out to organizers and see how you can help make sure your favorite event comes back in the future. Most of the events getting canceled act as fundraisers for local nonprofits, which are now looking at cutting budgets in 2021 and beyond.
The phrase "unprecedented times" has become a cliché, but it still holds true six months into the COVID-19 crisis. Now’s not the time to let our guard down against the virus.
