Hopkinsville’s annual international festival has been canceled due to concerns about the coronavirus.
The celebration had been set for March 27 and 28 at the SportsPlex, but officials say the unanimous decision to cancel was made after discussions with representatives of the Christian County Health Department, Hopkinsville Fire Department, Hopkinsville Police Department, Christian County Sheriff’s Office and the Christian County Emergency Management Office.
Parks and Recreation Superintendent Tab Brockman says, “Public safety is foremost in mind with this decision and all of our community events,” adding “All officials we consulted with agreed that canceling this year’s I-Fest was in the best interest of the public health of the citizens of Hopkinsville and Christian County at this time.”
Brockman says, “I-Fest draws brings together nearly 4,000 attendees over two days and includes representatives, performers and vendors from a wonderful variety of different countries. As special as the event is, we agree with our public health and safety professionals that minimizing the risk for spreading the virus at an event of this size is the appropriate action, especially at this time.”
Officials say they intend to for the international festival to be back and better than ever in 2021.