In order to assure the health of our citizens and staff, the City of Thomasville announced yesterday the postponement of all City sponsored events through May 15. City Manager Alan Carson said that the decision, while difficult, was made to align with the most recent guidelines released by the Centers for Disease Control regarding large group gatherings.
“Postponing our City events is not a decision that was made with ease,” Carson said. “These events are not only a point of community pride, but they are also important to our local economy. However, as difficult as the decision was to make, the health and well-being of our residents and staff is our number one priority.”
The events that were announced as postponed included the popular First Friday Sip and Strolls for both April and May and the 99th Annual Rose Show and Festival. Event organizers are disappointed that the events will be postponed, but feel it was the right decision to make based on current information.
“The postponement of the Rose Festival is extremely unfortunate but necessary in order to comply with CDC recommendations for large gatherings,” said Madison Eaton, City of Thomasville Events Coordinator. “We are in unchartered territory, but will closely monitor this situation with the hopes of resuming our role of providing joy and entertainment to our residents and visitors through our many community events.”
According to historical records, the last time the Rose Show & Festival saw a disruption was in 1955. “A late freeze in 1955 affected the blooms of most of the roses that year,” says Eaton. “While the weather led to the cancellation of the Rose Show, the parade was able to continue that year.”
In addition to First Friday Sip and Strolls and the Rose Show and Festival, other events have also been postponed. The updated calendar of events is available on both Thomasville.org and Thomasvillega.com, which will outline other events throughout the community that may be altered due to the Covid-19 situation. Thomasvillega.com also contains information about altered hours of operations for local attractions and other rescheduled or postponed community events.
Country Oaks Golf Course, a popular destination for locals and visitors alike, is closed to the public. Additionally, the City of Thomasville announced yesterday that public park reservations and permitting for public events will also be suspended.
“While these disruptions in service are difficult to make, the goal is to do what we can to help encourage adherence to the guidelines issued by the CDC,” said Carson. “Hopefully, by each of us doing our part, we can return to normal operations soon.”
The City of Thomasville will release updated information through its homepage (www.thomasville.org), social media outlets, and CNSNext Channel 6. For more information, please call 227-7001.