MCDADE, Texas — Editor's note: The video above was published in 2019.
Despite many events canceling over coronavirus concerns, the Sherwood Forest Faire was planning to remain open through April 19. However, following Bastrop County's state of disaster declaration, the event is now closed.
It's an annual, medieval-style event located in McDade, Texas, about 35 miles east of Austin. This year, it was being held Saturdays and Sundays from Feb. 29 to April 19 and Friday, March 20 during spring break.
Austin health officials have diagnosed several people in Travis County with coronavirus since March 13, resulting in numerous event cancellations in Travis County and neighboring counties.
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Prior to its cancelation Monday night, George Appling, the co-founder and marking director, had posted the following statement on the event's website:
“We understand that for many people these are uncertain times. But we think the kind of first-rate, immersive entertainment offered by Sherwood Forest Faire can be just what the public needs to escape for a while. We encourage everyone to use their best judgment to decide what is best for themselves and their families, but if they want to get away from it all, Sherwood Forest Faire will be open to welcome them to step back in time and forget their cares.”
The event's website also listed the preventative measures being taken to minimize the spread of the coronavirus. Some of the measures included special training for staff, entertainers, merchants and servers on preventative exposure practices, frequent cleaning and disinfecting of public areas, and easy access to handwashing and sanitation stations.
Event-goers were also urged to follow and familiarize themselves with the Centers for Disease Control's (CDC) prevention and treatment guidelines. That includes staying home if you're sick, washing your hands often for at least 20 seconds and avoiding touching your face with unwashed hands.
In a Facebook post on Friday, event organizers reassured the public they would remain open as the festival is a local event and does not usually attract non-locals. However, again, the event is no longer open as of Monday night.
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