Despite a debut weekend outdoors at the Jackson County Expo, the annual Holiday Market is going virtual instead of reappearing for its second weekend, organizers announced on Monday.
“We had a great time at the first weekend of the Annual Holiday Market. Thankfully everyone came and were safe while they shopped with our vendors,” the Expo said in a statement. “That said, sadly, we have come to the conclusion that we should cancel this weekend’s event.”
The first weekend took place on November 13 and 14, held in the Isola Arena with masks and social distancing required. It was supposed to return this coming Friday and Saturday.
“Considering our current environment in Jackson County with COVID-19; respecting our Public Health advisors and our Governor’s current ‘freeze’ sentiments, we are choosing to go virtual,” the Expo said.
While Oregon’s statewide freeze ends on Wednesday, Governor Kate Brown heralded last week that a new system of restrictions would go into place immediately after. With its current “Extreme Risk” level, Jackson County would remain under similar restrictions to the freeze.
The Expo says that it will be compiling a list of the vendors at this year’s Holiday Market and their web addresses so that people can still check out items and support the local businesses.
“Everyone here at The Expo would like to thank all of our supporters and vendors for staying strong during these tough times,” the Expo said. “Thank you for linking arms and supporting one another for our future. As these COVID-19 restrictions come to a close, we are going to be rejoicing and joining one another again in business and entertainment. We look forward to those days.”