Organizers look at safe alternatives for major events

Event Directors are keeping public health and safety in mind for postponed spring and summer events.

On the coronvirus.

Many of our communities*biggest events have been put on hold or entirely cancelled due to covid-19 concerns.

Kezi 9 news reporter julian mininsohn breaks down the status of each event -- and how those involved are being affected.

(major defoe) "the rodeo is canceled for this year."

And it isn't the only big event in our area that's been affected.

(wally bomgaars) executive director of the oregon country fair) "we're not going to do anything that would put anything at risk, either our community of fair-goers or the local community of veneta and elmira.

Health and safety is certainly our top priority above anything.

Many community members say they're bummed they wont be able to attend but understand why this is all happening.

(sara koff) "it's definitely sad.

I had a really good time.

I'm not a big fair person.

But there are a lot of good memories."

Along with the eugene pro rodeo and oregon country fair?all large- scale gatherings at the hult center have been postponed, the eugene marathon was canceled for this weekend.

Even food for lane county's largest fundraising event & chef's night out - has been postponed.

(dawn marie woodward) "we know, the restaurants know it's not going to happen june 1st.

But we are hoping to reimagine the event somehow in a way that really supports the restaurants."

(julian) the rodeo grounds are empty too.

Unfortunately for rodeo fans it'll remain that way this summer.

But for the events that aren't canceled, organizers are trying to come up with safe alternatives.

(dawn marie woodward) "it would have to be reimagined in a way, obviously, with social distancing in mind."

(wally bomgaars) "there's online and virtual-type things that we're looking at.

Depending on how things happen there could be a very small thing at the site."

And for the events that are canceled?a lot of them hope to make up for it next year.

(major defoe) "it's got to be bigger and better.

It's got to be two-years rodeo in one year.

Hopefully we'll really get something together."

Reporting in eugene julian kezi 9