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ELKINS -- In a day of drastic change brought on by the coronavirus pandemic, officials announced that the West Virginia Strawberry Festival has been postponed and will not take place this year, and the City of Elkins declared a citywide state of emergency.
In a Tuesday evening press release, Sandra Bennett, president and executive director of the WVSF, stated, "The 79th West Virginia Strawberry Festival Board of Directors, on recommendation of the Executive Board, and with CDC guidelines, has voted to postpone all activities and events related to the (festival) to May 2021."
"Please bare with the Festival Board during this trying time for all of us as a city, county, state and country," Bennett said.
This year's Strawberry Festival had been scheduled to take place May 9-17 in Buckhannon.
Elkins Mayor Van Broughton proclaimed a citywide state of emergency Tuesday due to the global COVID-19 pandemic, closing City Hall and canceling all city government meetings until further notice.
"The State of West Virginia and the City of Elkins have the opportunity to take proactive and preventative measures to slow down or stop the spread of COVID-19 in our communities," the proclamation states. "The spread of COVID-19 in the United States creates an existing and threatened state of emergency endangering the lives, safety, health and welfare of the people within the City of Elkins."
According to a press release from the City of Elkins, Broughton has also canceled all city meetings "to further mitigate against (the coronavirus) threat and to comply with federal recommendations concerning social distancing to protect the public and city staff and officials," additionally noting that the state of emergency does not impose any restrictions on the public, though it does enable the mayor to order restrictions if necessary, which is pursuant to West Virginia Code 15-5-1.
"I know that we are all deeply concerned about the threat COVID-19 poses to our city and nation," Broughton stated in the release. "At this point, it is only a matter of time before confirmed cases are identified and the real threat of spread is upon us. We find ourselves as West (Virginians) in the unique and fortunate position of being able to take proactive measures against this worldwide pandemic, and that is why I have decided to take these actions."
Though City Hall will remain closed until further notice, core city services and operations will continue, while officials are taking steps to minimize non-essential contact between city employees and members of the public.
"The Treasurers' Department will be operating and can receive phone calls, but all business must be transacted online, via the drop box behind city hall, or by mail. The Elkins Fire Department remains on duty but has closed its building to the public. The Elkins Police Department remains on duty, but officers may be wearing gloves or other protective gear when interacting with the public, out of an abundance of caution," the release states.
The proclamation has been posted online and at Elkins City Hall and will be transmitted to both the governor's office and the Randolph County Commission office.
Also on Wednesday, officials announced the temporary closing of both the Elkins Depot Welcome Center CVB and the Durbin & Greenbrier Valley Railroad, and also the cancellation of the 12th annual Ramps and Rail Festival.
In a press release Tuesday afternoon, Anne Beardslee, executive director of the Elkins Depot Welcome Center CVB, stated, "Our Board of Directors felt strongly about being part of the solution and not the problem. This give us time to contact registered vendors and those participating in the event. We are all disappointed but understand the need to protect the public."
Also in the press release, the Durbin & Greenbrier Valley Railroad announced that the Mountainrail schedule in April has been canceled. John Smith, president and CEO, said, "This organization would like to express our concern regarding the public's health and we encourage people to 'Do the Five.'"
For more information concerning the trains in Elkins, Durbin and Cass, go to mountainrail.com or call 304-636-9477 Monday through Friday. The Elkins Depot Welcome Center CVB will be closed beginning immediately until at least May 5.
"Although we will be physically closed, we will continue to keep people informed about Randolph County events through social media," Beardslee said. The elkinsrandolphwv.com website will continue to provide visitors with information about the area.