The postponed events at Esplanade are as follows; The Fretless scheduled for Jan. 27, Blackie and the Rodeo Kings scheduled for Feb. 6, The Trews scheduled for Feb. 9, Raven scheduled for Feb. 18 and Cheremosh scheduled for Feb. 26.--NEWS PHOTO KENDALL KING
kking@medicinehatnews.com
As COVID-19 cases once again increase, local entertainment venues are facing cancellations or postponements. Five events set to take place at the Esplanade have been postponed and organizers wouldn’t be surprised to see more follow suit.
“What’s happened is that the majority of them are part of larger, (cross-Canada) tours … and with the restrictions varying in different provinces it made continuing with the route too difficult at this time,” Josie Doll, entertainment and events co-ordinator for the city of Medicine Hat, told the News. “We, as of this point, haven’t had any cancellations so we are working on rescheduling them.”
“I do anticipate there may be another one or two (postponements) coming down the line … but we’re doing our best to make sure that we can continue with our entertainment schedule,” said Doll. “I am anticipating an exciting entertainment season, it’s just getting delayed a little bit now.”
Organizers at the Medicine Hat Exhibition & Stampede say they too have been affected by changing schedules, but not as noticeably, as a large number of their planned events take place outside.
“We’re finding where our problems lie is in our indoor rental facilities. By following the restrictions we still can do it, but people are still a little leery,” general manager Ron Edwards told the News.
One of the largest events to be cancelled is the indoor Food and Beverage Show, which usually takes place in February. Outdoor events scheduled for later in the year however, such as the Spring Rodeo and Summer Show, are still expected to take place.
