2020 West Lafayette Homecoming canceled
The West Lafayette Chamber of Commerce made the tough decision during its May 4 meeting to cancel the 2020 West Lafayette Homecoming. The 73rd annual event would have been held in July.
“We decided to do this because of the coronavirus and not being able to have large groups together,” said Patty Griffith, secretary of the chamber. “That’s the main reason, but it’s also because of having to ask for donations from small businesses and area businesses in the county. We didn’t feel right going and asking for donations under these current circumstances. With businesses being closed we didn’t feel it was right to ask for help with the homecoming.”
The fireworks show that is held along with the homecoming also is canceled until next year.
“That is also done by donation,” Griffith said. “We have maybe a third of the amount needed at this time, but it costs $6,000 for the fireworks. It’s so hard to raise the money under normal conditions. The chamber is here to support businesses and we don’t feel like it’s our place to go ask for donations right now.”
Griffith’s husband Oren is the chamber president and she said to their knowledge the homecoming has never been canceled.
“We hated doing it,” Patty said. “It’s heart breaking, but it’s in the best interest of everyone. We do this for the community, but it’s also our main fundraiser for the year. We will be ok though. We don’t have a lot of outgoing expenses. If restrictions are lifted we might try to do a fundraiser in the late summer or early fall. We thought about maybe a band or spaghetti dinner.”
They also are looking toward next year and plan to hold the homecoming again during the last full weekend of July 2021.
“It takes a lot of work, but it’s enjoyable,” Patty said. “Everyone looks forward to this. Hopefully they will understand that we had to cancel this year’s with the current circumstances.”
Category: Arts & Entertainment
