By China Cassidy Last week during the Holbrook Chamber of Commerce the board made the decision that all in-person events would be cancelled due to COVID-19 restrictions. Chamber Director Cindy Tafoya explained that all in-person events have been canceled through the end of November and that they are seeking other options so they can still be celebrated. For example, Tafoya said that Old West Fest, which was scheduled to be held in October, will still take place, just not in the way they usually do it. “We are not doing it in person, we are going to try and do something different, with virtual type activities.” She added that because this will be the first time they host that type of event, they are looking for volunteers who may be able to help with new ideas. “So, we need a good committee to come together to see what kind of great ideas that people might have so that we can still celebrate the Old West,” she said. Tafoya said that not only will they be attempting to host Old West Fest in some form, but they will also be hosting a virtual version of A Taste of Holbrook. Traditionally, a venue is secured and local food establishments are invited to bring certain items from their menus, with people purchasing tickets to sample all the products. But because the chamber will not be hosting large gatherings, it has had to consider other options. During the event, an annual awards ceremony is also held, which recognizes not only businesses, but individuals for their efforts in the community. For this year, the chamber will likely work with restaurants to offer specials for a period of one week. The virtual portion of A Taste of Holbrook would be the awards ceremony to take place during that week. Board Member Yvonne Larson stated, “We haven’t had our annual awards, which kind of goes along with the Parade of Lights and our businesspeople of the year. So, we’re going to try to possibly make that a virtual event.” Larson explained that while they will continue to host what events they can using the virtual route, they are hoping to work something out for the upcoming Christmas season. “We’re going to try to make anything that we can more virtual. And possibly, like with the Festival of Trees, even make that limited capacity where we limit the number of people that are allowed inside at a time and maybe extend it a few days.” Tafoya said that while she has high hopes for the future of the events, there are many things to consider so the more help they get, the better. “All of those things will still happen. The one that we are hoping we don’t encounter any problems with because of group size is the Festival of Trees.” Board Vice President Daniella Day explained that the chamber is looking for people to help on specific events committees. “It helps when you have different heads at different events so that people don’t get burnt out.” Anyone who would like more information on how to participate can contact the chamber. In other business, Larson has asked the city’s code enforcement officer Jason Foutz to provide clarification on whether the banners usually placed throughout Navajo Blvd. and Hopi Drive will still be put up by the city. Larson stated, “We need to set up a meeting time with the city because there is some talk that they weren’t going to be putting up any banners any longer and that’s always how it has been done. The city has always put these up and taken them down when there were changes. Like the holiday banners, especially looking at Christmas coming up, it would be nice to get at least some new ones up for Christmas.” Foutz said he would address it with city administration. Foutz also reported that the old Jerry’s Restaurant at the north end of Navajo Blvd. has been purchased and the new owners are working to reopen it. He also reported that the newly built La Quinta Inn will be hosting its grand opening, which is planned for the beginning of August but a definite date was not available. Foutz also offered an update on the China Buffet, which will not be open until they get an inspection, but due to COVID-19 they are not able to get one until restrictions relax. Secretary Colleen Marsh reported that although things have slowed down for the animal shelter in light of COVID-19, they are in planning stages for an outdoor play yard. Marsh reported that that they also received a large donation for a shade in the outdoor area at the shelter.
