RICHMOND, Va. -- Two Saint Patrick's Day events will not go on as scheduled this month in Richmond.
After insisting Shamrock The Block would go off as scheduled this weekend in Scott's Addition, event organizers have postponed the Scott's Addition block party.
"After speaking with the Mayor directly, we have decided that it is in all our interests to postpone Shamrock The Block for now," organizers posted on Facebook. "For those who support the festival, the jobs it creates, the economic benefit to the neighborhood it brings and the basic joy of being outside with your friends, we say thank you and we will be back once the fear of gathering has subsided. Mayor Stoney and the City of Richmond have pledged their full support for Shamrock’s return, and we are grateful for that."
Earlier in the day, Richmond Mayor Levar Stoney urged event organizers to postpone or cancel large Richmond events as COVID-19 spreads.
Organizers of The Church Hill Irish Festival have also decided to postpone the event. It was scheduled for March 21 - 22.
"In the interest of our community health and well being, and after speaking with the Mayors Office and City Officials, we have to postpone the 35th Annual Irish Festival until a later date," event organizers posted on Facebook. "It breaks our heart for this to happen, but we must keep in mind that the purpose of the Festival is to benefit our community and to celebrate our heritage. This is the right choice at this time☘️"
In addition to the postponements of the Irish festivals, the Ukrop’s Monument Avenue 10k has been postponeduntil September 19.