Canceled for covid: New Hope Auto Show, Craft Fair, PrideFest

Few will be surprised that amid rising covid-19 infection rates, three major New Hope events that had been holding out hope to open on a limited basis have decided to cancel altogether.

The New Hope Automobile Show on Friday announced it would cancel its 63rd annual show slated for Saturday, Aug. 8.

“Recognizing that covid-19 is not going away, but resurfacing in strength, the show committee and the New Hope-Solebury School District have re-evaluated the increased risk to our school students, community, participants, and the many volunteers involved on show day,” said organizers. “This was not an easy decision, and the show committee thanks everyone for their understanding. Refunds will be issued to those ticket holders and registrants indicating that preference at the time of purchase.”

The show was to be held in an adjusted format, with vehicle registration open to a maximum of 150 show cars so that participants would be positioned at safe distances, and attendance limited to two-hour blocks of time to ensure the crowd size did not exceed social distancing guidelines.

Likewise, the Greater New Hope Chamber of Commerce said on Monday it would axe the New Hope Arts & Crafts Festival scheduled for Sept. 26 and 27.

“Acknowledging recent spikes in covid-19 cases around the country, the Greater New Hope Chamber of Commerce, with the best interest of attendees, artists and volunteers at heart, has decided to cancel its 27th annual New Hope Arts & Crafts Festival,” the chamber announced on its website.

And New Hope Celebrates (NHC) announced earlier this month that it would not go forward with its Pride Parade and Fair in 2020, which had been rescheduled for Oct. 10.

“Even with the decline of the spread of covid-19, large scale events pose a public health risk that we do not want to bring to our community,” said organizers. “We did not come to this decision lightly and know that this may be disappointing for many, as it is for us as well.”

NHC added that virtual events are being planned throughout the year to celebrate pride.

“Our celebrations and events may have changed for 2020, but at a time that is so volatile for the world there is always hope and there is and always will be pride,” said NHC President Matt Hanson.