By Blake Haas
CLINTON – Due to potential risks posed by COVID-19, the DeWitt County Museum Association Board of Directors has canceled the 52nd Annual Apple ‘n Pork Festival.
The festival that draws an average of 80,000 people would pose an elevated risk to visitors, volunteers, and vendors, according to DeWitt County Museum Association President Daniel Hauffee.
“After a great deal of consideration of the circumstances and ramifications, as well as taking into account, a notice written by the DeWitt-Piatt Bi-County Health Department’s Environment Health Coordinator & Emergency Preparedness Coordinator, Michael Schroeder, and director to those who organize and promote the festival, the DeWitt County Museum Association Board of Directors determined there is no viable option other than cancellation,” the Apple ‘n Pork festival said in a Facebook post.
C.H Moore Homestead DeWitt County Museum Director Joey Long said she stands by the Board of Directors’ decision.
“We sincerely regret the cancellation; however, the current circumstances require us to take this precautionary measure. We truly value our DCMA members, volunteers, and all others who attend and participate in the festival, and our community, therefore I certainly stand by the decision made by the Board of Directors. We will all be looking forward to the 2021 Apple ‘n Pork Festival. At this time, perhaps we can take some inspiration from the words of C.H. Moore’s friend, Abraham Lincoln – ‘Let us all confidently hope that all will be well.'”
While initially serving as a means to generate funds for the DeWitt County Museum Association, the festival has grown and evolved to include numerous local non-profit organizations that serve DeWitt County and rely heavily on the event to carry out their mission statements as well.
The festival is held the last full weekend of September annually.
Blake Haas can be reached at [email protected].
