MATTHEWS, N.C. — For the second year in a row, Matthews Alive has been canceled.
A notice posted online to the festival's official website says the Board of Directors voted unanimously to make the decision. The Town of Matthews reportedly supported the decision along with Novant Health - Matthews Medical Center, the presenting sponsor for the festival.
"The safety, health, and wellness of festival partners and attendees remain a priority for this family-friendly event," part of the notice read, concluding with a promise to provide more details.
In a statement released Monday, August 9, the board of directors confirmed the spread of the delta variant of COVID-19 prompted the decision. Chairwoman Julie Bee said the usual number of attendees was a cause for concern.
“By our estimates, we were expecting our usual 150,000 attendees, if not more people. Given the percentage of unvaccinated people in our local communities as well as the infectious Delta variant, we had many concerns about being able to meet our standards for public safety,” she said.
Jason Bernd, President and COO of Novant Matthews Medical Center, applauded the decision, saying "Novant Health supports the decision to cancel Matthews Alive. The health, safety, and well-being of our teams and community are always our top priority. We look forward to when we can gather again safely. In the meantime, we urge everyone who is not yet vaccinated to do so.”
Matthews mayor John Higdon also supported the move, saying “It’s disappointing that the number of Covid-19 cases and hospitalizations are rising in our area- preventing us from moving forward with special events like Matthews Alive. However, the health and safety of festival attendees will always come first. Matthews Alive is one of the most highly anticipated events of the year. I look forward to the festival returning next year.”
The spread of the new delta variant of the virus has put just about everything from school boards to event venues on notice. Last year, Matthews Alive organizers cited the spread of the virus as the key reason behind the cancellation in 2020.
Matthews Alive raises money for local nonprofits, featuring vendors, carnival rides, a parade, and more. To date, Matthews Alive says $1.6 million in funds have been donated in the organization's 28-year history.
