Virus concerns lengthen list of cancelled, postponed events

Pre-planned group events in the area continue to experience schedule changes because of the coronavirus emergency.

Event changes announced recently include:

POUND

Tuesday night, town council agreed to cancel the Thursday night Pickin’ in the Pound events at town hall until the national emergency has been lifted.

Council also agreed to postpone a decision on whether to suspend Mountain Empire Older Citizens events, a gospel singing event and an open mic night at town hall until March 31, when the recessed Tuesday council meeting is resumed and members can evaluate the situation.

Also discussed was the upcoming annual Pound Heritage Days festival. Council agreed to make no decisions on Heritage Days until it can have further discussions March 31.

MEOC

MEOC announced Wednesday that its eight senior nutrition sites are temporarily closed, including sites in Big Stone Gap, Coeburn, Pound and Norton. Participants will get nutrition services through the home-delivered meals program.

MEOC also announced that the agency will postpone its annual Walkathon, the largest fundraiser for its emergency fuel fund for the elderly. The event historically takes place the first Sunday in May. A new date will be chosen after the public health threat “no longer exists,” MEOC said in a press release.

Further, MEOC is postponing the annual Harold Lester Memorial Golf Tournament in June, which raises funds for the Mountain Laurel Cancer Support and Resource Center.

HALF MARATHON

The Union Half Marathon and Relay was supposed to take place Saturday in Big Stone Gap, but has been postponed until May 9.

The event supports St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

On its Facebook page, half marathon organizers explained that early packet activities and festivities will now take place on May 8 and activities for the race will take place on May 9. A virtual option is available for those who cannot make the May 9 date. According to the Facebook page, the virtual option will still allow runners to obtain a race t-shirt and a finisher medal.