The Tennessee Soybean Festival Board of Directors has made the decision to cancel the 27th Annual Tennessee Soybean Festival planned for September 5-12, due to the uncertainties that still lie ahead from the COVID-19 pandemic.
According to TSF Executive Director, David Belote, “The information we are currently receiving from state and federal governments indicates that we should discontinue our efforts to host festivals, fairs, or other special events that have the capacity to draw large numbers of people until further notice. The Soybean Festival requires advance planning in the form of securing agreements with carnivals, street vendors, entertainment acts and other attractions. From a planning perspective, we simply cannot take the financial risk given the uncertainty of the future. We are dealing with a
pandemic and the obvious restrictions that it imposes.”
“Also, the Soybean Festival relies solely on sponsorships and contributions from local businesses to operate,” Belote said.
“Truly, these are difficult times for all of us and as stewards of our festival, we would be hard-pressed to ask our local retailers and businesses to contribute to the festival this year while their own financial futures are uncertain due to the many closures and restrictions as a result of COVID-19.”
The Tennessee Soybean Festival was awarded the Best Festival in the Southeast by the Southeast Festivals and Events Association in February 2020. The festival last year attracted over 24,000 people to Martin. Currently, the Tennessee Economic Recovery Group is asking local governments to not plan events that encourage close contact and the assembling of large groups.
Belote emphasized that public safety is one of the most important planning components of the Tennessee Soybean Festival.
“The safety and well-being of our citizens is paramount. Our board of directors has emphasized that ensuring the safety of Martin residents, attendees, entertainment acts, and vendors is of utmost importance. The inherent risks involved with this pandemic are self-evident. Given all of the factors that it takes to produce a festival and the current uncertainties surrounding the pandemic, at this point in time we strongly feel that it is not in the best interest of our community to continue the pursuit of the 2020 Festival.”
Mayor Randy Brundige was asked for comment regarding the significance of what the TSF means to the Martin community.
“Not only does the Soybean Festival contribute to the city’s economy but also puts us on the map. We will miss making people smile and making Martin a destination to celebrate the soybean this year,” said Brundige.
Brundige said that in his travels across the state the Soybean Festival has become one of the premier associations with the city. If you visit the TSF website, one will see that Martin truly becomes a destination during this week. Documented and identified are those who travel to Martin to attend the festival from all parts of the United States and throughout the world.
