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Chattanooga, TN – With 2020 coming to an end, people across Hamilton County are eager to see what the new year holds.
This has been a hard year for many people, thanks to Covid-19 and the harsh lockdowns.
Many Chattanoogans were also affected by the deadly tornadoes that devastated many areas over Easter weekend.
People everywhere will be ready to celebrate the end of 2020, but with Covid still on the rise and vaccines still in the early phases of release, that may have to be done a little differently.
With public indoor gatherings being limited to ten people, this makes it impossible for many annual events to go on.
Mike Dial, the co-owner of Wanderlinger Brewing Company, said they have cancelled more than their New Years events. They have also completely shut down the weekly Open Mic Night and Monday Night Blues.
Dial said, “After the governor’s order, we’ve postponed any music that we were doing. It didn’t seem responsible to do it. It just seemed irresponsible and inappropriate. Plus, people are going to want to be near the stage and dance, and it just didn’t seem right, or something we wanted to do.”
The Latin dance school, G2G Salsa Chattanooga, took to Facebook to announce the cancellation of their own New Years’ event.
“When we planned this event in November, we were feeling optimistic about throwing a NYE party for the local dance community. We felt we could implement extra precautions for the event to keep it safe and enjoyable for all who attended. Over the last week, we have been closely monitoring the rising numbers of COVID cases in Hamilton County. We were faced with a difficult decision to cancel the event or drastically reduce the tickets available,” the post said.
The post went on to say that the new social gathering mandate, “has made the decision for us and we will officially be canceling the event.”
However, not every Chattanooga venue will be canceling their events or closing their doors. Many of them will continue with New Year’s celebrations that fit in with the social gathering limitations.
Trish’s Sports Bar will have live music and dancing but the owner, Patricia Gaddis, has asked that all patrons remember to wear masks.
Jon Reinhart, general manager of The Southern Belle, said they will have an afternoon and evening meal and cruise, at 25% of their normal capacity.
Co-Owner of the Comedy Catch, Michael Alfano, will be putting on two shows at the Chattanooga Choo Choo but he will not be throwing the usual after-party. Seating has also been reduced from 230 to 100.
Alfano was also curious about how strictly the order would be enforced, given sheriff Hammond’s reaction. While Hammond said he would support the order, he did not offer any further information on how strictly it will be enforced.
Kacey Swindell, the director of sales at the Moxy Hotel has not said if the hotel will be canceling any events or not. She has been discussing the options with their corporate office and plans to announce a final decision on Monday.
