Cashiers Valley Leaf Festival has been canceled this year because of coronavirus-related issues.
“This has certainly been an unprecedented year with many challenging circumstances and difficult determinations and adjustments to life as we have known it,” said Ann Self Executive Director of The Village Green who organizes the annual community event.
Cashiers Valley Leaf Festival typically features more than 100 artisan vendors and welcome thousands of visitors in celebration of the colorful autumn season in the mountains. Several factors were taken into consideration before coming to a final conclusion.
“The Village Green has used two guiding objectives in all of our decision-making during this pandemic,” said Self, “Modeling social responsibility and protecting the safety and health of the community are paramount to our operation.”
The Village Green consulted with its board of directors, stakeholders and sponsors, and public health experts. Artists and other similar event organizers were surveyed to examine various scenarios that would employ social distancing and other COVID-19 related measures.
“This decision was not made lightly,” said Self. “We could not find a path forward that would ensure the excellence of this event that our artists and patrons both deserve and expect.”
Pictured at the top of the article is a view along the trail to Norton Mill Creek taken last fall.