Mariposa Folk Festival 2020 Cancelled Due to Coronavirus
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Today, organizers of the storied Mariposa Folk Festival announced the cancellation of this year’s festival scheduled for July 3-5, 2020, due to the Coronavirus.
During the past many weeks, Mariposa Folk Foundation had been in regular communication with public health and other authorities, the festival community, artist managers, core organizing volunteers and members of the production team, and determined that cancellation is the only appropriate course of action.
The festival had planned to celebrate its 60th anniversary this year with one of the strongest lineups assembled in decades. It included a rare talent and true original loved and cherished by fans, John Prine, who sadly passed away due to COVID-19 on April 7th. Also on the bill were the iconic Mavis Staples, highly acclaimed Serena Ryder, Mandolin Orange, and dozens of other luminaries on the Canadian, North American and international folk music scenes.
In a statement issued to the media, the organization stated that its top priority is the health and safety of the audience, artists, volunteers and other supporters. It also stated that, even though the festival is still 2 ½ months away, organizers felt that the announcement should be made as early as possible to allow interested parties and ticketholders maximum time to plan accordingly. At its April 20th meeting, the City of Orillia Emergency Management Committee extended the restriction against such public gatherings within the municipality, and it now encompasses the weekend of Mariposa Folk Festival.
Mariposa is offering ticket purchasers a full refund, a deferral for 2021 festival tickets, or the option of donating ticket purchases back to the festival, a non-profit organization and a registered charity. Donations can also be made via Canada Helps.
The President of the Mariposa Folk Foundation and Festival Chair, Pam Carter, stated “It’s very disappointing that we’ll all miss Mariposa Folk Festival this summer, especially considering the incredible lineup and the record-setting early ticket sales, but we are already planning for a fantastic return on July 9-11, 2021”.
Artistic Director, Liz Scott, stated “It was exciting building this lineup of amazing musicians and of course it’s disheartening that we won’t be able to gather together to watch it all unfold. But when we do get back together in July 2021, everything will seem sweeter”.