THE MURRAY Bridge Riverfront Christmas Festival has been cancelled following a COVID-19 outbreak in South Australia.
Originally scheduled for this Saturday 21 November 2020, the event was terminated following a State Government direction that all activities with an approved COVID Management Plan for the next two weeks be cancelled.
Rural City of Murray Bridge Mayor Brenton Lewis said news the Festival would not go ahead was disappointing, but community safety remained organisers’ first priority.
“All the way through our planning processes we have held community safety in the forefront of our minds, and while measures could be put in place to hold the event safely we were happy to do so,” he said.
“Unfortunately new cases of COVID-19 have been identified in South Australia and so we all have to do our part to help contain the virus and stop transmission.”
Mayor Lewis said the efforts of people who had invested time and hard work into the planned event had not gone unnoticed and were appreciated.
“I understand many people will be disappointed about the cancellation,” he said.
“But we are a resilient lot and as long as we continue to look out for and help take care of each other as a community, we’ll be okay.
“If everyone does the right thing now, hopefully we will be free to spend time with our loved ones and friends over Christmas and heading into the New Year.
“I would ask everyone to follow the health recommendations, and stay safe.”
Event Coordinator Analise Gates echoed the Mayor’s sentiments.
“The decision to cancel was very disappointing due to the enormous amount of work that went into making it possible, but it is in the best interests of the health and safety of the community and this must be our first priority,” she said.
“I’d like to acknowledge all of the sponsors and supporters who rallied around the event this year.”
Anyone who purchased ride tickets will be automatically refunded and other enquiries should be directed to the organising committee at mbchristmasfestival@hotmail.com.