2020 Dalton Holidays Festival canceled
The arts and crafts show during the Dalton Holidays Festival has been a big draw for years. (DGKN ARCHIVE PHOTO)
DGKN staff report
DALTON Citing community safety as top priority, the Dalton Holidays Festival committee has announced that this year’s winter festival has been canceled because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The difficult decision was made as the committee was getting ready to ring in planning for the holiday celebration’s 44th year, which in the past has included a parade downtown, arts and crafts show at Dalton High School, royalty crowning and other activities. The school will not be open to public events this year and the committee supports that decision, according to a news release.
“Although we are saddened to make these decisions, we anxiously anticipate bringing back our festival in 2021,” the news release states. “The committee is so appreciative of all of our schools, businesses, crafters, vendors, sponsors and volunteers. Out of respect for all of these people, we want to ensure that we respectfully provide enough notice. We understand that the festival is many months away and much can change, however, the plans and contracts are set months in advance and there is still much uncertainty with the pandemic. The committee is continuing to consider safe alternatives that may come forward.”
The festival committee also decided to cancel the annual royalty pageant, the news release states.
“The reigning court has been invited to extend their reign through 2021,” according to the release. “Your royal court consists of Queen Allyson Snyder, Snow Princess Arabella Wenger, and Little Miss Snowflake Payton Lind. The court has offered to assist the community through volunteer opportunities throughout the year. They have visited residents in the nursing
home, delivered goodies to our healthcare workers as well as our first responders, and have videos available online reading books for kids. They will continue to volunteer and represent our community in safe and positive ways.”
