Jackson International Food and Art Festival cancelled

JACKSON, Tenn. — The Jackson International Food and Art Festival, originally scheduled for September, has been cancelled due to concerns about the COVID-19 pandemic, according to City of Jackson officials.

According to a news release, festival organizers felt the cancellation was in the best interest of the community to protect the safety of attendees and to prevent risk for the festival and vendors.

Co-chair Eduardo Morales said in the release that planning was unpredictable due to the pandemic, and securing vendors and entertainment for the festival was difficult.

Co-chair Dr. Sandra Dee said the inability to practice social distancing at the event, which typically draws a large crowd, may have put individuals at risk.

The festival brought in nearly 15,000 attendees last year, and organizers were presented the Heart and Soul of the Arts Award by the Jackson Arts Council for their mission to spread cultural awareness, promote cross-cultural engagement and celebrate diversity, the release says.

For more information about the Jackson International Food and Art Festival, go to www.JIFAF.com or call Bridgett Parham at (731) 425-8398.