The Kerrville Folk Music Festival has modified its dates again and gives up one key revenue driver — alcohol.
In a Facebook post, the long-running music festival said it was limiting participation in the event after consulting medical experts. Initially scheduled for a 10-day run, organizers will split the festival into two weekends, Oct. 1-3 and Oct. 8-11.
"As a result of the ongoing uncontrolled spread of Covid-19 in Texas and after consultation with a group with expertise in medicine and risk planning, the Kerrville Folk Festival Foundation Board has decided to limit the duration and capacity of the upcoming Kerrville Folk Festival," the organizers wrote on Facebook.
Since July 1, more than 1,000 people have tested positive for COVID-19 in Kerr County. This is the third change of dates for the concert and cultural event. The 2020 was show was canceled, the 2021 dates were moved to October and now the midweek events have been canceled.
However, the safety of the attendees was paramount, organizers said.
"But the health and safety of the Festival family, the town of Kerrville, and our friends and loved ones back home had to be considered," organizers said. "We hope and believe that we’ll be able to safely gather in larger numbers in May next year."
The festival planned to open with proof of vaccination fully, but the state of Texas stood in the way by denying the event a liquor license. Under Gov. Greg Abbott's executive order banning vaccination mandates, state agencies, including the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission, cannot work with companies or events that enforce mask or vaccine mandates.
"Because we require proof of vaccination, TABC refuses to issue us an alcohol permit, so this will be a "bring your own alcohol" event," the organization wrote. "Kerrtry Store will not be open, so campers will also need to provide their own coffee and soft drinks. We will have two water bottle fill stations supplying filtered water and some bottled water available to purchase in the Foundation Booth."
The annual event typically attracts thousands of people to the festival. The festival has already begun limiting sales for certain dates.
"We are committed to fairness and safety as we create another magical Kerrville experience," the organization wrote. "Inevitably, some decisions will not suit everyone, so we ask for your understanding and trust that we are doing the best we can in inordinately challenging times. Below are some of the questions we know will arise, and there will be more. We will stay in close communication with our ticket holders, volunteers, and artists as plans evolve."
