COLUMBUS — One of the big annual events in Columbus will have to wait until 2021.
The city has canceled this year's Ethnic Expo, which had been planned for early-October. COVID-19 concerns are behind the decision announced Thursday by Mayor Jim Lienhoop.
“We look forward to the time when we can once again gather and celebrate as a community, but want to ensure that we are not putting our residents, neighbors, and our most vulnerable at risk," said the mayor. "It was a difficult decision to not hold Ethnic Expo this year, but we want to be responsible in keeping the community safe.”
Ethnic Expo is a multicultural festival which has been around in Columbus since 1983. It's operated by the city and is a celebration of diversity that is sponsored by a number of local businesses along with national, state and local arts organizations.
More than 30,000 people annually attend the free event in downtown Columbus. There is entertainment and food, all with an international flavor. Many clubs, service organizations, church groups and individuals volunteer their time to make the festival possible.
