The COVID-19 pandemic has forced the cancellation of the 2020 North Judson Mint Festival. The annual event was scheduled for Father’s Day weekend, but Governor Holcomb’s Back on Track Indiana plan does not allow festivals to take place until at least July 4.
Mint Festival President Donna Henry says in a press release that the festival committee did consider postponing the event, but it wasn’t a viable option. She says it’s the first time the festival has been canceled since its inception in 1977. The cancellation includes the festival’s pageants, car show, bands, parade, vendors, and special attractions.
The Mint Festival Committee says that any advertisers and sponsors will be contacted concerning their payments. Henry told the North Judson Town Council Monday that while it breaks the committee members’ hearts to cancel, it also assures the safety of would-be visitors and volunteers.
She added that the Mint Festival Committee is working on some sort of special project for this year, such as a decorating contest. Town Council President John Rowe urged the committee to consider holding a scaled-back one-day festival later in the year, and Clerk-Treasurer Andrew Rowe suggested incorporating it into the artisan market being planned by the Constellation of Starke Creatives’ Network for September.
In any case, Henry promised that the full North Judson Mint Festival will be back in 2021. Any questions can be sent to donnahnry@yahoo.com.
