Winterfest 2020 Cancellation Statement

Winterfest 2020 Cancellation Statement
March 12, 2020

On Wednesday, March 11, 2020 we began unloading the trucks and setting up for Smoky Mountain Winterfest. Early this morning, the University of Tennessee notified us that, regretfully, they had been advised by authorities in Washington D.C. and the local Centers for Disease Control to cancel all events on campus, especially any large gathering. Therefore, they informed us in writing that they were closing the campus and Thompson-Boling Arena as of noon today.

Their statement is as follows:

Although there is not a confirmed case of the coronavirus disease on the University of Tennessee, Knoxville campus, we have made the difficult decision to cancel Winterfest. We made this decision in order to protect our campus community and individuals most vulnerable to COVID-19. Our leadership team did everything we could to move forward and worked with organizers through the night to save the event. Due to recommendations coming out of Washington D.C., the Centers for Disease Control, and several other large events across the country being called off, we felt it was in the best interest of everyone to cancel. We know this annual event is enjoyed by thousands each year. We look forward to hosting once again in 2021.

We understand the University of Tennessee’s situation and support this decision to

operate out of a “better safe than sorry” approach. We also know this cancellation will cause hardship on thousands of leaders and youth who have anticipated this tremendous weekend. At this time we are collaborating with our steering committee to determine future plans and projections for Winterfest.

Some have called and expressed the desire to go ahead and bring your group to the
Smoky Mountain area to have your own retreat. However, we respectfully ask that you do not do this. The City of Knoxville is concerned about bringing exposures to this area and today Tennessee Governor, Bill Lee, declared a State of Emergency.

There is a task force appointed by General Overseer, Dr. Tim Hill, to monitor the
COVID-19 outbreak across the country, and specifically, the impact on local Church of God congregations and ministries. Dr. Hill and this task force released a statement addressing the cancellation of Winterfest, which includes the following:

While we know this decision by UT officials was difficult and came after a lot of discussion and thought, we are supportive of their efforts to protect their campus, as well as our young people and leaders. We all are disappointed that Smoky Mountain Winterfest will not be held this weekend. However, this cancellation was beyond our control. As I have stated earlier, all future scheduled events will be considered on a case-by-case basis as we approach the date for each event.
Again, I request that our church family be in prayer for a quick solution to this pandemic.

We understand the University of Tennessee’s situation and support this decision to operate out of a “better safe than sorry” approach. We also know this cancellation will cause hardship on thousands of leaders and youth who have anticipated this tremendous weekend. At this time we are collaborating with our steering committee to determine future plans and projections for Winterfest.

Currently, we are in the early stages of understanding the ramifications of the cancellation. We will update you with any new information as it becomes available. Please continue to pray for a cure to this horrible virus and for our nation as a whole.