Coronavirus Updates - Smithfield VA Events:
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RELEASE DATE: March 20, 2020
CANCELLATION OF APRIL 18, 2020 SMITHFIELD VA WINE & BREW FEST The CDC, The President and our Governor have all requested non-essential functions, such as festivals and events that gather more than (10) be cancelled or postponed. Across the globe, we are all implementing the new practice of “social distancing”. As with many other events, due to the coronavirus pandemic, the Board of Smithfield VA Events has made the decision to cancel the April 18, 2020 Smithfield VA Wine & Brew Fest. We considered many options, including rescheduling. However, given the uncertainty of the current pandemic, setting a new postponed date is not possible. With regret, cancellation is our only option. Our refund policy clearly states that no refunds are given unless our event cancellation insurance covers the loss. We take out cancellation insurance on all our events and we are covered for normal risks like hurricanes, tornados, fire and snow/ice. This virus is not “normal” and unfortunately is not covered. It is not possible to refund 100% back to everyone, as the fest has already incurred expenses, has financial liabilities that still need to be paid and will not generate any day of event income. After reviewing the situation, and making difficult choices (like not being able to fund the planned donations), we are able to do a partial refund of all monies paid, keeping only $25 per ticket and refunding the difference. See below for specifics on types of refunds and amounts. More good news - since you are not receiving anything for the $25 per ticket portion we are not refunding, it is tax-deductible as a charitable donation (since Smithfield VA Events is a 501 (c) (3) non-profit organization). The financial impact of this virus is going to be astronomical. Our benefiting organizations and volunteer groups will suffer, as we are not going to be able to make donations to them. The economic impact to the many small businesses we use as vendors will be impacted. Please understand this situation is affecting many financially and consider (if you can) making donations to your favorite non-profit during these stressful times. See our coronavirus update page on our website to see all the organizations that our event cancellation will impact. We hope you will continue to practice your own personal social distancing, keep washing your hands, and protecting yourself and high-risk populations by making hard but right choices in the coming weeks. By ALL of us doing our part NOW, let’s hope this pandemic is over soon. We will start working on planning amazing experiences for next season and will be providing information in mid to late June for our 2020/21 Season of Events. The Board members of Smithfield VA Events are thankful for the continuing support of our event guests, sponsors and volunteers. Save the dates for the 2020/21 Season: October 3, 2020 Bacon & Bourbon Fest January 16, 2021 BOB Fest & 8K Chilly BOB Roadrace April 17, 2021 Wine & Brew Fest Stay Safe and see you all next Season! The Board of Directors Smithfield VA Events |
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