A new Arts event in Skagway was supposed to bring performers from across the region for a weekend of concerts, workshops, and public events. But the inaugural Skagway Exposé has been canceled after an outbreak of COVID-19 in Lynn Canal communities. KHNS’ Mike Swasey spoke with organizer Taylor Vidic about the regrettable decision to cancel.

Vidic – We are not operating just on facts, we are operating on people’s comfort level. And with this massive spike that is coming out of Haines, whether or not that travels to Skagway at all, I think we have found ourselves back in a space of concern attached to mass gatherings. 

That is why we tried so carefully to come up with mitigation plans that I think would have kept everyone safe. But it is possible that is not the case. And I just got off the phone with my boss, who is also, you know, Miss Liz Lavoie, I will also call her a mentor. 

But she pointed out to me, she’s like, regardless of whether or not we have COVID right now in Skagway in the way that Haines is experiencing, now the Skagway Exposé, there’s no chance of it going down in history as a spreader event.

Therefore, if and when we choose to do this again, we won’t have that red mark on our name. And that is, that’s not nothing.

Swasey – Cases did not explode in Skagway. There isn’t a real threat of community spread at this point. So where do we stand as far as events that can still go on? Are New Twin and DUNCH still playing on Friday night at Happy Endings?

Vidic – Yeah, I believe as of right now, that is the plan. We have fully canceled any ticketed Exposé events. We are no longer promoting things that are happening in town. It just feels better at this point to be hands-off. But as far as I know, Haps just also went through a round of testing with all of their staff, and so far the results have been good. 

So assuming that the rest of them come back, good, they feel that there is no reason to not continue to carry on in a way that Skagway has been safely existing since April.

Sean of New Twin pointed out to me that shows a bit happening here since April. And there have been no issues attached to any of those events. So clearly, Skagway knows how to do it right. And there’s something to be said for clearly how seriously this community takes each and every COVID case. 

Swasey – Thank you for your time, Taylor. 

Vidic –  Thank you.