Merlefest falls victim to the coronavirus. Fans are asked to convert tickets to donations.
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MerleFest, the wildly popular traditional music festival in Wilkesboro started by guitar legend Doc Watson, has been canceled for 2020 due to the threat of coronavirus spread.
The festival was set for April 23-26, and was canceled after Gov. Roy Cooper and state health officials asked organizers of any event likely to draw more than 100 people to cancel, modify or postpone.
MerleFest was started in 1988 in memory of Eddy Merle Watson as a fundraiser for Wilkes Community College and to celebrate “traditional plus” music, according to the event’s website. It draws people from all over the U.S. and beyond.
The site posted a notice on Friday that said, “While this decision is disappointing for all of us, we fully support the directive from our county officials. The health, safety, and well-being of all involved with MerleFest is, and always will be, our primary concern.”
For many, MerleFest is a harbinger of spring, and annual rite, a can’t-miss stop on the months-long traditional-music festival circuit. Fans spread out in front of several stages set up on the hilly grounds of the community college. Crowds are known for their loyalty; many come year after year. Over the course of the long weekend, audiences at outdoor performances may get soaked with a cold rain, sunburned, or both.
Willie Nelson, Alison Krauss, John Prine and many others were to perform at this year’s event.
In a press release announcing the cancellation, festival organizers said MerleFest is the community college’s largest fundraising event in support of students. The Wilkes Community College Foundation “has already incurred significant costs in the lead-up to MerleFest 2020,” the release said, and is asking festival-goers to consider alleviating the financial burden for the college by converting ticket purchases to tax-deductible donations.
“This will help sustain the mission of MerleFest and its impact on WCC students,” adds Ted Hagaman, the festival’s director, said in the statement.
Ticket-holders can also roll their tickets forward, applying the purchase price to MerleFest 2021, Hagaman said, and guaranteeing the same seat and parking for next year at this year’s prices. The 2021 festival is set for April 29 to May 2.
Those who prefer a refund can take that option, the statement said, though ticket service fees are not refundable. All refunds must be requested by April 15. for more information, email the festival at MerleFest@wilkescc.edu, or call the box office at 800-343-7857. It’s open Monday through Thursday 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. and Friday 11 a.m to 3 p.m..
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