Covid causes changes or cancellations of local events – News 40

BOWLING GREEN, Ky. – Middlet from Covid, especially now with the new Delta wave, local events are once again taking a hit.

Joshua Smith of Bowling Green Community Education said the pandemic has had a huge impact on their events. He said their class attendance fell by around 50% between 2019 and today.

“We really struggled last year. Whether it’s numbers, people going out for classes, or even just having to cancel events last year. You know, for months we didn’t offer any programs. Our summer activities, fairs, our kids activities, Blockbusters at the Ballpark, everything was canceled last year.

Smith said that when students are out of school because of Covid, the effects trickle down to their after-school programs. It’s also difficult, as their classes, from wine tasting to interview prep, all offer social interaction – a basic need, Smith said, that people don’t always seem to be able to meet these days.

“With our courses, because they provide that social element, you have to find other ways to fill them. More or less, people have to stay at home. They aren’t able to go out as much and interact with other people, ”Smith said. “It’s really the downside when you have to cancel lessons. Adults really miss these opportunities to go out and learn something new, or, interview classes, resume classes, all of that, you miss that information and have to find it in a different way.

They have all the outdoor programs this year to make safety a priority.

Along with community education events, the American Cancer Society canceled its Relay For Life at Bowling Green Ball Park. Barren River Animal Welfare Association has canceled Shake your Paw Ball. Amazing Angels has canceled its Humor Heals event which was scheduled to take place this weekend at Tidballs.

Lost River Cave director of philanthropy Katie Cielinski said they had to get creative in their gatherings.

“Covid has had a lot of economic impact here. We have been closed for three months, but like so many other businesses, we are finding creative solutions,” Cielinski said.

Instead of descending to the Lost River Cave where the cave is packed with spectators, they will now host cocktails and trails.

She said the cave expected almost 300 participants, a huge success. However, success is a double-edged sword in this pandemic. She and her colleagues put their brains together to strategize to have a safe and fun event.

“Usually at Get Down we had everyone in the cave at the same time, and it’s a big party. This time we’re making a timed entry, so we’ll have people arriving at different times throughout the night, ”Cielinski explained. “WWe want to be part of the solution. So while we want to have Get Down and have everyone in one place, it’s important that everyone does their part. So that’s kind of what we feel like we’re doing by sacrificing this event and having the chance to do something new and fun with it.