HerrinFesta Italiana 2020 succumbs to the COVID-19 crisis

HERRIN - For the first time in 30 years, the streets of downtown Herrin will likely be quiet over Memorial Day weekend.

There will be no concerts, no bocce ball, no pageants or parade, and the locals will just have to argue among themselves over who has the "bigga nose."

Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the HerrinFesta Italiana has been canceled.

"It's disappointing," said HerrinFesta President Cris Trapani, "but obviously the bottom line is the health and safety of the public. That's our number one priority."

Trapani said he and the committee members have been watching the progression of the global pandemic for several weeks, with mounting concern.

"We have people from close to 30 states that come in for the entertainment," he said.

The event also draws visitors from Italy, one of the countries hardest hit by the pandemic.

"We have three dozen events that draw 25,000 to 30,000 people to Herrin," Trapani added. "We didn't feel like it was responsible to possibly add to the spread of the virus and endanger the public. It was the responsible thing to do."

Trapani said the committee was unanimous in its decision.

He also said the committee has extended the offer to the scheduled performers to appear at next year's festival.

"Logistically, that's a hard decision to make right now," he said. "Their tours are set up in routes. Many times when we book an artist, they are coming our way from somewhere going to somewhere."

Like many other events, organizations, and agencies, Trapani said the HerrinFesta Committee is dealing with something new.

"We've never had to shut one down," he said, noting that he has been involved for 23 of the festival's 30 years. "We're just very grateful to all the volunteers that have worked so hard."

Trapani said those who have already purchased tickets, Every Day Passes, and Early Entry Passes will be fully refunded.

He also said that feedback after the initial announcement has been positive.

"This is a time to pull in and batten down the hatches so we get through this together," he said, referring to the COVID-19 crisis. "It's not the time to plan a mass gathering."

Trapani stressed that as tough as the decision was, he believes the committee acted for the greater good.

"When you look at something several different ways and reach the same conclusion, you just have to do the right thing."