DEWAYNE HOLLOWAY/dewayne@mcnews.online
MOUNT IDA – It is with a heavy heart that the Mount Ida Area Chamber of Commerce announces the cancellation of this year’s Three Rivers Heritage Festival and World Championship Crystal Dig. This marks the second year the two events have been cancelled due to COVID-19.
The Three Rivers Heritage Festival and World Championship Crystal Dig was scheduled for September 24 and 25. This was to be the inaugural Three Rivers Festival. The Chamber had decided last year to combine the two existing festivals, the Good Ol’ Days Festival and the Quartz, Quiltz and Craftz Festival, into one festival. However, the onset of COVID-19 last year forced the cancellation of last year’s festival. With the increased risk of catching the newer Delta Variant of COVID-19 the Chamber decided to cancel this year’s event as well.
Chamber officials stated that due to the high number of COVID-19 cases in the state they feel it is better to cancel the events in an effort to prevent the spread of the virus in the community. While the state battles huge increases in cases reported, Montgomery County remains among the lowest in case totals in the state. Currently Montgomery County has the fifth fewest cumulative cases in the state.
This doesn’t mean the county has remained untouched by COVID-19. Montgomery County has reported at least 20 new cases per week for a month with active cases continuing to creep near 50.
Although both events are held outside they do have moments when large groups of people would be gathered in close proximity to one another. By its nature, a festival is meant to draw large crowds. With vendor booths and car show participants placed close together there is no way to assure a safe six feet distance for everyone.
The crystal dig is normally held at Twin Creeks Crystal Mine. Chamber officials acknowledged that once diggers got to the mine they could probably keep a safe distance. However, each day of the dig begins and ends with a gathering of participants. The Chamber did not see how they could accomplish these daily gatherings in a safe manner.
They have also received reports from regular attendees who have stated they wouldn’t be coming due to COVID-19. This just offered evidence that the Festival and Dig should be postponed until next year.
As a Chamber of Commerce they had to weigh their mission to help local businesses increase commerce with a responsibility for the health of the community. After lengthy discussion, they felt that the current health risk is greater than the potential fiscal gains from the Three Rivers Heritage Festival and World Championship Crystal Dig.
Refunds will be mailed to vendors and dig participants within the next two weeks.
For more information you can call the Mount Ida Area Chamber of Commerce at (870) 867-2723.
Mount Ida Area Chamber of Commerce cancels Three Rivers Heritage Festival, Crystal Dig
