Fresno State has canceled two upcoming events, taking preventative measures to halt the spread of coronavirus.
The university announced Tuesday that the annual Peach Blossom Festival, which was scheduled for Thursday and Friday, is canceled.
The Peach Blossom Festival draws up to 6,000 elementary school students every year to the university to participate in oral readings, performances and interpretations.
Festival officials released a statement saying the CSU Chancellor’s Office felt it was prudent to call off the festival because many people are concerned about large gatherings.
“Due to the current novel coronavirus (COVID-19) situation, we are following evolving guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the U.S. State Department and the CSU Chancellor’s Office, as well as state and local public health agencies,” officials said in the statement.
“The safety and well-being of our campus community is our highest priority, as is maintaining a safe environment for those who visit our campus.”
This is the first time in 62 years that the event will not take place. All registration fees will be refunded, and anyone who preordered a T-shirt will be able to pick it up at Fresno State through Friday.
“Thank you for your understanding,” officials said. “We, the directors, as well as our student team, are disappointed to not be able to see and congratulate the work of you and your students in preparation for this event. We hope to see you next year at the Festival on Thursday and Friday, March 11 & 12, 2021.”
Fresno State is also cancelling the President’s Lecture Series on March 17 at the Save Mart Center. Margaret Brennan, the host of CBS News’ Face the Nation, was slated to give a lecture titled “Political Outlook and News of the Day” followed by a question and answer session.
The university has not cancelled any classes and has no plans to unless directed to by the chancellor’s office.
