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City cancels Oktoberfest due to COVID-19 concerns.
The city of Beaumont announced Aug. 21 that it would be canceling the upcoming Oktoberfest festivities in an effort to keep the public safe and stem the spread of COVID-19.
In a news release from Mayor Becky Ames, she explained the city’s decision to cancel the event.
“COVID-19 has completely shifted the way we live our lives,” the statement began. “It has certainly shifted the way city business is conducted. Although we have had a decrease in COVID-19 positive cases in recent weeks, just a few days ago, Jefferson County witnessed its highest number of COVID-19 related deaths in one day so far. With careful consideration, and with the safety of the community as our first concern, we have decided to cancel Oktoberfest this year, which was scheduled for Oct. 17. This was a difficult decision, but it is the right decision.
“The city of Beaumont organizes this event each year, and it is always a huge success. This is no ordinary year, and we do not feel that this is a safe time to host and promote an event where thousands of people would be gathering. Events of this magnitude have been shown to be community spreaders of the COVID-19 virus. We are following suit with other cities in the state of Texas that hold Oktoberfest celebrations who have also canceled this event, including: Addison, Galveston and Fredericksburg.
“Thank you for your understanding. Please keep doing your part to help eliminate COVID-19 in our great city.”