The rising number of COVID-19 cases in the Chattanooga area has caused SoundCorps leadership to postpone the Rail & Hops Brewers Festival until May 7, 2022.
SoundCorps is a local nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting and advancing local musicians.
The event was to be held this Saturday at Miller Park. It was originally held in the Glenn Miller Gardens at the Chattanooga Choo Choo but has outgrown that space, according to SoundCorps Executive Director Stratton Tingle.
"We made the difficult decision to postpone Rail & Hops Brewers Festival in an effort to look out for the health of our region's most vulnerable communities as well as our brewery partners, event staff and musical talent so we can be part of the solution to curbing the current outbreak of local COVID-19 cases," Tingle said in a news release.
Rail & Hops Brewers Festival will take place from 4-10 p.m. May 7 and will feature 40 craft breweries and a world-class concert from soul music act Lee Fields & The Expressions with support from a lineup of Chattanooga-area artists.
The event is held in partnership with Chattanooga Tourism Co., the Tennessee Department of Tourism, Caravan and others.
Tickets purchased at railandhops.com are still valid for the May 7 event, but refunds will be issued to all purchasers who wish for one. To initiate a refund, refer to the Rail & Hops ticket purchase confirmation correspondence or email info@railandhops.com.
Organizers strongly encourage everyone to get vaccinated against the COVID-19 virus and to wear masks in public spaces so that the entertainment industry can make a full and safe return.
- Compiled by Barry Courter