Mt. Gretna Outdoor Art Show canceled due to coronavirus

The 2020 Mount Gretna Outdoor Art Show has been canceled due to the novel coronavirus outbreak, organizers announced Thursday. 

The show, which draws thousands of visitors and hundreds of vendors to Mt. Gretna - was set to take place Aug. 15 and 16.

"The health of our artists, volunteers, community, and patrons are at the forefront of this decision," organizers wrote in a Facebook post. "We are committed to the continuation of our show when we can safely honor all that we hold so dear."

Director Kerry Royer said they made the decision after consulting with the Lebanon County Department of Emergency Services, local first responders and the Pennsylvania Chautauqua Board of Managers. 

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Although the event is four months away, Royer said they made the decision now because they anticipating social distancing guidelines to be lifted in a tiered manner. Holding a mass gathering - where thousands of people travel from across region and from out of state to pack into Mt. Gretna - would probably not be recommended, Royer said. 

They also kept future shows in mind when making the decision, Royer said. 

"Canceling this year early means that we're able to have a better capacity to put the show on in the future," Royer said. 

The show had previously publicized this year's poster for the show, which was designed by artist Bruce Johnson, who helped co-found the art show nearly five decades ago. 

Next year's show will be held on Aug. 21 and 22, 2021.

The show will be putting on a "virtual gallery" in the meantime, Royer said. 

"We know that art heals and creativity is needed more than ever," Royer said. 

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Nora Shelly can be reached at nshelly@ldnews.com or 717-454-7817