UPDATE (WKOW) -- Summerfest announced today it was canceling its 2020 festival due to concerns over COVID-19.
"After careful, diligent, and thoughtful consideration and out of an abundance of caution for the health and safety of our community Summerfest presented by American Family Insurance will not take place in September 2020, as previously announced," organizers wrote on Facebook.
The festival was scheduled to begin June 24.
Read the full statement below:
After careful, diligent, and thoughtful consideration and out of an abundance of caution for the health and safety of our community Summerfest presented by American Family Insurance will not take place in September 2020, as previously announced.
It is our honor to be responsible for such a storied tradition. With five decades of festivals, countless legendary performances and millions of memories, Milwaukee World Festival, Inc. explored numerous options to ensure the Summerfest tradition could continue in 2020 in a safe and healthy manner.
Yet, given the information available today, and the uncertainty surrounding very large gatherings, we cannot in good conscience proceed with the festival this year. The immediate future presents multiple levels of risk for our fans, and we choose the side of safety.
This announcement comes after our staff, sponsors and vendors have worked tirelessly over the past two months to reformulate the festival for the rescheduled 2020 dates. Our commitment to doing everything possible to preserve the social and economic impact of $186 million, which Summerfest generates annually is paramount, yet the uncertainties are too great.
Our present situation is especially disheartening, given that the new $53 million American Family Insurance Amphitheater was scheduled to open on June 24, ready to host over 20 superstars during and after Summerfest. We are grateful to American Family Insurance and all the donors who made this new venue possible and look forward to welcoming artists and fans in 2021.
As we all face a challenging and unusual summer and fall ahead, we sincerely appreciate all the support demonstrated by our fans and sponsors and encourage you to support your favorite musicians in the months to come. We hope you will carry the spirit of Summerfest with you until we can be together again. May the magic of music fill your life with joy and memories.
Full statement, refunds, and 2020 ticket page: https://www.summerfest.com/2020-ticket-refund-information/
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