Eureka's Spring Diversity Weekend canceled

By Robin Dorner
Editor in Chief

Out in Eureka’s Director, Jay Wilks said deciding to cancel Spring Diversity in Eureka Springs was a very tough decision to make. It was scheduled for April 3-5.

He said the decision was made, “Due to the concern over COVID-19, we are following recommendations from the city, state and advice of the CDC regarding large gatherings over 50 people.”

Diversity Weekends brings hundreds of people to Eureka three times a year. It is the first time in the history of Diversity Weekends that one has been canceled, including one year in April it snowed for Spring Diversity.

“I also based this hard decision on the fact that Miss Coco Peru canceled her show out of the safety of her fans,” Wilks said. “I have had many vendors, organizations and entertainment who were scheduled for the park also cancel.”

He said several other venues have also canceled their shows and live music.

“Also, many of our restaurants, clubs, shops and lodging establishments are working on the options best for them, their staff and our visitors based on a health and safety issue,” Wilks explained. “No one in Eureka Springs is taking the possibility of closing or canceling lightly. Everyone is very emotional over any decision they may have to make.

In Eureka, some venues may stay open to have shows or music, but that will be up to them.

“For those who purchased tickets for Miss Coco Peru's show, they will be contacted via email directly from the AUD and given the choice of a full refund, or they can reschedule for Miss Coco Peru, who has already rebooked for Fall Diversity Weekend November 7-9.”

Wilks is also sending notifications on social media, and will be contacting all vendors and organizations to let them know.

COVID-19 will have a definite impact on businesses in Eureka Springs, which is known to be a travel destination in Arkansas.

“It will impact business owners, their employees, people who do business with those businesses, and the tax revenue for the city,” Wilks said. “The effect is not just because Spring Diversity was canceled, but other city events as well over the next month.”

With the omission of Spring Diversity for our community, Wilks said he is already working to make Summer Diversity in early August of this year.

“Again, the cancellation of Spring Diversity Weekend was a very emotional thing for me to do. After communicating with officials, I felt it was the right thing to do to make sure our visitors are kept safe. 

“I hope everyone stays safe and healthy so you can see everyone for Summer Diversity August 7-9, 2020, or for Fall Diversity November 6-9, 2020.”

For information on Eureka Springs Diversity Weekends, visit www.facebook.com/outineureka.

Copyright The Gayly. 3/18/2020 @ 1:57p.m. CST.