Chillin' and Grillin' is off for 2020

May 08, 2020

The annual Chillin’ and Grillin’ in the Glades barbecue contest and event has been cancelled.

Meanwhile, the city of Norton is considering whether to postpone the annual Best Friend Festival.

CHILLIN’

The Chillin’ and Grillin’ event planning committee announced Thursday afternoon that it has decided to cancel the event, which was scheduled for July 17-18 in downtown Wise.

According to a posting on the event’s Facebook page, organizers “cannot in good conscience do the fundraising necessary to put this event on and do it right” because of the uncertainty surrounding the COVID-19 virus emergency. “It would be selfish to ask the local businesses that support us year after year to continue to be a sponsor during these uncertain times. We also cannot knowingly endanger our fans who have shown nothing but support to our community event since the beginning.”

Organizers of the hugely popular and growing event vowed to come back bigger and better in 2021.

BEST FRIEND

So far, the COVID-19 pandemic and social distancing requirements have not killed Norton’s 2020 Best Friend Festival.

Normally held the second week of June, the event could move to the July 4 holiday period to coincide with the city’s Independence Day fireworks and festivities.

That was part of a discussion city council had Tuesday night, according to City Manager Fred Ramey.

“Best Friend Festival has been asked to see if a few of the festival events could be held that Friday and Saturday,” he wrote in an email. “A final decision would be made at a future council meeting based on the COVID-19 trends.”

Council in April asked the festival planning committee to examine the prospect of pushing the event into July.