Saint Martin’s calls off 2020 Food and Wine Festival
Saint Martin’s University in Lacey has called off its Food and Wine Festival planned for Aug. 8 due to the coronavirus pandemic. The university will host the next festival Aug. 14, 2021.
The festival typically attracts 2,000 or more people to the Worthington Conference Center and Marcus Pavilion, university spokesperson Genevieve Canceko Chan wrote in an email to The Olympian. It helps the university raise money for student scholarships.
Saint Martin’s has been hosting the event, previously known as the Capital Food and Wine Festival, for more than 30 years, according to Chan. The average amount of scholarships awarded each year from what’s raised at the event has been $20,000-$30,000.
Funds for scholarships are raised year-round through several initiatives, Chan said, such as a recent “annual day of giving.” Saint Martin’s also has set up a fund for donors to support students during COVID-19.
“Our sponsors and vendors were understanding and supportive of this decision and look forward to supporting the event next year,” Chan wrote. “By postponing rather than canceling, we will be able to extend another year of recognition for our sponsors as we plan and promote next year’s event in the coming months. We do welcome, and hope, anyone who would’ve normally attended the festival will consider making a contribution to the Saints Emergency Fund.”
The university plans to host the 2021 Food and Wine Festival outdoors.
This story was originally published May 29, 2020 at 8:57 AM.
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