The Mitchell County Chamber of Commerce has made the decision to cancel the upcoming 61st Annual NC Mineral and Gem Festival, originally scheduled for Thursday, July 30, through Sunday, Aug. 2.
The initial decision to host the event this year was not made lightly, and the board of directors, which includes health care providers and leaders, worked to provide a safe event for attendees and community. The prevailing thought that the community and its small businesses needed the event to take place to help the local economy during this trying year was the overarching reason for the decision to move ahead with planning.
The chamber consulted with the local health department to determine a long list of safety precautions that would be in place. It was believed that the event could happen in a safe way in our community while also supporting our struggling businesses.
However, realizing the level of anxiety that this event was causing in the community, the chamber made the decision to cancel the event. In light of this decision, the Mitchell County Chamber encourages locals to make July 30st through August 2nd “We Love Mitchell County Days” and safely get out into the community to spend money with local businesses.
The NC Mineral and Gem Festival has an estimated $1 million impact on the county and it will be up to all of us to help local businesses during the cancellation of this event.
Visit ncgemfest.com for additional information.