INDIANAPOLIS — The Athletic Club Foundation has canceled its weekend St. Patrick's Day Events in Indianapolis "out of an abundance of caution" amid the coronavirus concerns after more Hoosiers tested positive for the virus.
The canceled events include:
Thursday:
- 24th annual Greening of the Canal
Friday:
- 40th Annual St. Patrick's Day Parade
- Tent Party sponsored by the Public Safety Foundation
Saturday:
- 29th Annual Shamrock Run & Walk
"After consulting with public safety officials and reviewing a great deal of public information, the Foundation determined that it would be in the best interest of the general public and the fans that attend this event to cancel. Nationally, many events have been cancelled and locally the Big Ten Tournament last night was modified to a no-spectator event through Sunday," the ACF said in a statement released Thursday.
“As our understanding of the scope and significance of the COVID-19 virus has developed over the course of the last several days, we like most civic organizations have made decisions that have only one objective: to do whatever is in our power to keep our community healthy. Unfortunately, that mission means sacrificing a little fun this year. We have cancelled all the events run by the Athletic Club Foundation out of an abundance of caution for our sponsors, loyal supporters, and families who celebrate their Irish pride with us every year. It is our hope that we will fundraise for youth athletic programs in Indianapolis in novel ways as the year unfolds so that our good work is not waylaid as well by this public health crisis,” says Robert Welch, Foundation Chair. “Though we are disappointed, we take solace in the life of Saint Patrick who spent his days uniting and caring for the people he loved, the people of Ireland. We will continue to carry on his mission here in Indianapolis.”
The Annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade includes parade floats from area grade school and high schools, public safety officials, families and Irish heritage organizations as well as local businesses. The Tent Party that was planned during the Parade sponsored by the Public Safety Foundation is also canceled.
