Big Top Chautauqua Summer Concerts Cancelled Due To COVID-19
The board and staff for Big Top Chautauqua announced Monday (May 4) that they have made the decision to cancel all Summer 2020 events due to the uncertainty of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Organizers shared the news via their website, calling the decision "heartbreaking" after weighing all of the various options and outcomes for this summer's events. Big Top Board of Directors President Kim Ogle said in a press release (via WDIO) "We are deeply saddened to have to cancel the Big Top summer season but due to the seriousness of the COVID-19 pandemic and variability of what to expect this summer, we felt it was the ethical and right thing to do."
For individuals that have tickets for this season, they offer a handful of options on their website:
- Donate the value of your ticket as a tax-deductible donation to the organization.
- Get a credit to your account for future performances or merchandise. They say no action is necessary for this option.
- Save your seats until organizers know for sure if the show will be rescheduled for 2021.
- Request a refund for the value of your tickets.
While the live, in-person music has been cancelled for this year, organizers say they will still be providing some music to fans in the form of their Tent Show Radio and new virtual program called "Tiny Tent Show". They say they will also be using this summer to improve the venue facilities to prepare to welcome visitors back next year.