Rain Day festival cancelled due to COVID-19
With each passing week, more and more summer events are being canceled due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. And, unfortunately, one of Greene County’s most anticipated annual traditions has joined the list of canceled festivals.
In a release recently issued by the Waynesburg Borough Special Events Commsision – a nonprofit organization formed in 1979 to organize and bring continuity to the annual Rain Day street festival – it was announced that this year’s Rain Day event will not be physically held in downtown Waynesburg.
In the release, the Commission states that this was “a tough decision and a very sad decision” to make.
“As much as we would like to continue this street celebration, the uncertainty of the Covid-19 pandemic has made this physically impossible,” the release states. “Our main efforts are to keep our citizens, attendees, sponsors, staff and volunteers healthy and safe during this time.”
The release adds that the committee is “working diligently in this new planning process and are coming up with new ways to modify the event and continue this celebration virtually and stay connected when we cannot gather physically.”
The committee said it hopes to bring “favorite pieces of the festival experience come to life for 2020.” Some ideas include having live entertainers, interviews, the presentation of the Jack McCracken Award and the annual Hat Bet.
“This celebration will go on rain or shine, just not in the traditional way,” the release states.
Residents are encouraged to follow the website www.raindayfestival.com and on the Rain Day Facebook page for updates.
It has rained 115 of the past 146 years on July 29 in downtown Waynesburg.