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Drew Holcomb and the Neighbors were scheduled to headline the May 9 spring concert in Highlands.
The COVID-19 crisis has shuttered another local event, forcing the cancellation of the Highlands spring concert slated for May 9.
Highlands Festivals Inc., the organization that produces the Highlands Food and Wine Festival, made the announcement Wednesday, March 25, that its spring concert event featuring Drew Holcomb and the Neighbors had been canceled due to the national response to COVID-19.
“After careful consideration regarding the health and safety of our guests, staff and vendors, we have made the difficult decision to cancel the concert amid increasing concerns and nationwide regulations regarding COVID-19,” said Casey Reid, partner of Eleven Events and festival director. “We are disappointed that we are unable to bring this exciting event to our fans this spring as planned, but we feel it is the right decision based on what we know at this time. We are continuing to look ahead to the Highlands Food and Wine Festival in November, when we hope to once again gather for a world-class event in the beautiful mountain town of Highlands.”
All spring concert ticket holders will receive refund instructions via Universe ticketing, Reid added.
In light of the Highlands Board of Commissioners’ recent State of Emergency declaration designed to limit visitors coming to Highlands, canceling the spring festival was the only viable alternative left since no foreseeable timetable as to when restrictions would be lifted was given to organizers.
Highlands Chamber of Commerce President Kaye McHan said the chamber still plans to add a spring concert festival to its events lineup when the time is right.
“The Highlands Chamber of Commerce was looking forward to sponsoring the spring concert but we are in agreement with Highlands Festivals that canceling is the best decision at this time,” McHan said via email on Monday. “We look forward to participating next year and we encourage everyone to make their Spring 2021 plans now because it will be an event not to miss.”
For information about the fall Highlands Food and Wine Festival, visit www.highlandsfoodandwine.com.