W.C. Handy Music Festival will be scaled down due to coronavirus

W.C. Handy Music Festival will be scaled down due to coronavirus

New information this afternoon on the changes you'll see at the w-c.

Handy festival in the shoals.

It isn't cancelled like many feared it would be - but organizers say it will be different.

Waay 31's breken terry talked to the visitor's bureau.

They said they're just glad the event is happening!

Look live: this is t-shirt this year for the w.c.

Handy festival .

Its a tribute to the docotrs and nurses on the frontline of the virus.

The festival is going to be shrunk down and will have some virtual components.

Carnegie- its disheartning i know for a lot of the organizers and musicians.

The director of florence- lauderdale tourism told me this year's event will be held on a much smaller scale compared to what we saw in previous years.

Virtual events will replace the live music and other events usually spread over two weeks in three counties.

Carnegie- it's a part of the history of this area it's a significant event.

It's so widespread and there are so many events people love it.

And carnegie says the changes to festivals to keep people safe - are leading to a drop in visitors.

Carnegie- you have to look at this in terms of all the events that are being cancelled.

All the festivals from shindig, arts alive, shoals fest, and several others it's significant.

In terms of a very high level number on a national basis they are expecting tourism to be down 45 percent.

Carnegie said the shoals area has already lost at least 1.8 million dollars in tourism revenue.

On top of that - hotel bookings in the area are down from last year.

Carnegie- we were down 36% in march, 78% in april, and 64% in may.

We don't have our june numbers yet.

As for the w.c.

Handy festival - some events will happen with safety precautions and social distancing.

Carnegie said he hopes people will understand to expect something different this year.

Carnegie- as heartbreaking as it is i think people are beginning to condition themselves after 3 plus months.

Look live tag: the festival director told me things are changing by the minute but an official schedule of events will be finalized this week.

In flo bt waay31.

Organizers said the festival was supposed to be july 17-26.

We'll let you know if that changes.

Because a lot of w.c.

Handy events take place outside, or in resturants - it will be up to those particular businesses to require patrons