Hartford Area Chamber follows Governor Scott’s Directive to Cancel Event Due to COVID-19
Vermont Business Magazine The 2020 Quechee Hot Air Balloon Craft and Music festival has been cancelled for the first time in the 40 year history of the event, it was announced by the Hartford Area Chamber of Commerce (HACC), organizers of the annual event.
Thousands of entertainment gatherings, festivals and events have been postponed or cancelled around the state and country due to the COVID-19. The Quechee Hot Air Balloon Craft and Music Festival, which runs annually on Father’s Day weekend was originally scheduled for June 19-21 and then rescheduled for the weekend of September 11-13.
“The health and safety of our visitors, vendors, entertainers, balloonists, landowners and volunteers is always our highest priority and this difficult decision was made with their well-being foremost in our minds,” said PJ Skehan, Executive Director of The Hartford Area Chamber of Commerce. “We fully support our Governor’s measures to combat COVID–19. While we are disappointed to have to make this decision, we believe it is not possible to run our event in a safe manner this year. We are confident that our balloonists will be back in the skies for our 2021 festival on Father’s Day Weekend June 18-20.
Over the years, thousands have flocked to central Vermont for the annual Father’s Day weekend gathering where more than 20 balloonists headline a regular schedule of five flights slated throughout the weekend with additional tethered rides during the day. Entertainers, musicians, craft and food vendors, are also on site for the annual celebration.
“After celebrating our 40th anniversary last year with a banner year and record breaking crowds gathered, we are committed to looking forward, regrouping and building another successful festival in 2021,” added Skehan.
THE HARTFORD AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE (HACC) hosts the Quechee Balloon Festival and helps area businesses succeed with a mission to enhance the economic environment. Through networking, events, savings programs, and disseminating information, HACC offers member businesses an advantage in the marketplace. HACC, in collaboration with the Army Corps of Engineers and the VT Department of Forests Parks and Recreation, also manages and staffs the Quechee Gorge Visitor Center which is part of the 612-acre Quechee Gorge State Park that welcomes over 100,000 visitors yearly from all parts of the globe.
QUECHEE, VT (June 2, 2020) – For more information visit: www.hartfordvtchamber.com, www.quecheeballoonfestival.com, call 802.295.7900 or email: [email protected]