Broiler Festival Responds To Controversy
August 19, 2020
Isaac Estes-Jones
With the 2020 edition of the Broiler Festival scheduled for next weekend, Nathan Quick with the Broiler Festival Association has issued a statement after a growing number of people decried the decision to hold the event this year.
“The Broiler Festival is a tradition that stretches 69 years. Many years have been ordinary and uneventful with the exception of some rain or high heat. Some years mark milestones and there are always positives and negatives that we try to learn from. This year may be the most difficult yet,” said Quick.
“When we first started to discuss this year’s festival, one of the very first topics was the Corona/Covid situation. We contacted the Health Department for advise and were told to social distance wherever possible, hand wash and maybe masks.
“With the information we were provided, we proceeded with plans and are adjusting plans as we can,” Quick said.
In recent weeks, Mt. Vernon has announced that city will not hold its annual Apple Butter Making Days event this fall. However, Cassville held their first annual Trout Fest last weekend.
“We are aware some of our neighbors have cancelled their event, but others have moved forward with theirs,” said Quick. “We have heard from several people mostly positive, some others think we should cancel the event.”
Whether anyone attends the event this year is a personal decision. “Please remember, we don’t take attendance. If you’re not comfortable attending this year’s event, then please, don’t. We’ll miss you , but not be mad at you,” Quick said.
“We will enjoy seeing everyone who chooses to attend this year and please social distance, wash your hands (sanitizer stations will be available through out the park),and wear a mask if that makes you more comfortable. Lastly, I want to thank everyone who is volunteering this year and that includes the Broiler Festival Board. It has not been an easy time, but hopefully we’ll get through this,” Quick concluded.
With the 2020 edition of the Broiler Festival scheduled for next weekend, Nathan Quick with the Broiler Festival Association has issued a statement after a growing number of people decried the decision to hold the event this year.
“The Broiler Festival is a tradition that stretches 69 years. Many years have been ordinary and uneventful with the exception of some rain or high heat. Some years mark milestones and there are always positives and negatives that we try to learn from. This year may be the most difficult yet,” said Quick.
“When we first started to discuss this year’s festival, one of the very first topics was the Corona/Covid situation. We contacted the Health Department for advise and were told to social distance wherever possible, hand wash and maybe masks.
“With the information we were provided, we proceeded with plans and are adjusting plans as we can,” Quick said.
In recent weeks, Mt. Vernon has announced that city will not hold its annual Apple Butter Making Days event this fall. However, Cassville held their first annual Trout Fest last weekend.
“We are aware some of our neighbors have cancelled their event, but others have moved forward with theirs,” said Quick. “We have heard from several people mostly positive, some others think we should cancel the event.”
Whether anyone attends the event this year is a personal decision. “Please remember, we don’t take attendance. If you’re not comfortable attending this year’s event, then please, don’t. We’ll miss you , but not be mad at you,” Quick said.
“We will enjoy seeing everyone who chooses to attend this year and please social distance, wash your hands (sanitizer stations will be available through out the park),and wear a mask if that makes you more comfortable. Lastly, I want to thank everyone who is volunteering this year and that includes the Broiler Festival Board. It has not been an easy time, but hopefully we’ll get through this,” Quick concluded.