The highly beloved and anticipated Belfield Hoedown may not be happening in 2020 due to the coronavirus.
In talking to numerous officials and companies that help sponsor and run the Hoedown weekend, the festivities will not be run by the city of Belfield, but will be held in responsibility by those that typically run the events. The only event that is confirmed to be happening is the Mud Run, led by the Belfield Volunteer Fire Department on Sunday, August 23, as stated by volunteer firefighter Richard Zacher, the time for the event is scheduled to begin at 1 p.m. as stated on the event's Facebook page.
"We are basically leaving it up to the companies or the businesses that are doing it. The city is not going to partake in anything," stated a county employee. "We're going to let the businesses call it, I know that there is going to be some waivers and stuff that are going to have to be signed in order to protect the city. It's what they want to do, but I guess that's what's going to take place. If they decide to move forward with it or not."
As stated by numerous members, the Belfield Park & Rec board is the organization that gives the OK for the Hoedown and its events. However, the Park & Rec board recently finished its own election, and has yet to have an official meeting in which would discuss the event.
Belfield Mayor Marriann Mross briefly discussed the matter of the Hoedown.
ADVERTISEMENT
"We had a city meeting (Tuesday) where they were granted their permits, providing that they follow the new COVID rules and they have to basically release the city of all liability if someone gets sick, because our insurance doesn't cover it," Mross said.
"For the Fire Department, since they are part of the city, they have to have everyone sign a wavier ... everyone that participates, or attends their mud run, has to sign a release saying that they are not going to sue the city for anything if someone gets the COVID virus. That is what our attorney advised us to do," she added.
