Author: Jon W. Sparks

The 2020 RiverArtsFest, which was scheduled for October 24-25 in downtown Memphis, has been cancelled due to COVID-19 restrictions.  

Bonnie Thornton, festival director, says the event relies on regional and national travel of more than 180 artists and the attendance of more than 20,000 people. “We are confident this is the best decision to ensure the safety of our artists, our volunteers, our sponsors and our community during this uncertain time,” she says.
 

“As a year-round, non-profit, volunteer-run organization with a mission to provide access to art experiences and support arts education in Memphis, RiverArtsFest is initiating and exploring a number of options to support local artists and the community throughout the rest of 2020,” Thornton added.

The board already is planning the 15th Anniversary RiverArtsFest, scheduled for October 23-24, 2021.

Ballet Memphis

Gretchen Wollert McLennon

McLennon has long been associated with the company, having served as board chair, chair of the strategic plan, and being an integral part of the recent capital campaign.

She officially begins on August 1st, but has already been working with partners, dancers, and the executive team on the transition.

“I want to leverage Dorothy Gunther Pugh’s legacy to reimagine how Ballet Memphis can become even more valuable well into the 21st century. I’m excited to work with a world class team to explore how a ‘traditional’ art form can further deliver on our commitment to both equity and reflecting our shared community values,”​ she says.

As a child, McLennon was a student in the Ballet Memphis school and was part of the junior company. She was board chair from 2014 to 2017 and worked on the project to construct the company’s facility in Overton Square.

She has more than 15 years in the philanthropic and nonprofit sector, including 10 years at the Hyde Family Foundation as program director.

She has also been major gifts officer for the Metropolitan Inter-Faith Association and a donor relations officer for the Community Foundation for Greater Atlanta. She is on the boards of several local nonprofits.

Ballet Memphis has a $4 million operating budget and has performed around the world.

Sam’s Town Hotel and Gambling Hall, Fitz Casino and Hotel, Hollywood Casino Tunica, 1st Jackpot Casino Tunica, and Horseshoe Tunica Hotel and Casino will all open Thursday, May 21st. Gold Strike Casino Resort will open Monday, May 25th.

All are taking measures to ensure the safety of guests. Mississippi Gaming Commission guidelines are that casinos should have a 50 percent capacity restriction, table games and slot machines be configured to allow for appropriate physical distancing, and valet parking temporarily discontinued.

Southland Casino Gaming in West Memphis opened on Monday, also employing new health and safety standards.

Like other attractions that are easing back into operation, there are changes that focus on social distancing, capacity, and health and safety guidelines. Mansion tours are being reduced to 25 percent capacity and restaurants will be at 50 percent capacity with outdoor patio seating available. The Elvis Presley’s Memphis exhibition complex will also limit the number of visitors.

Other changes include having Graceland employees wearing masks and guests being encouraged to wear masks. There will be temperature checks for guests and employees, enhanced cleaning and sanitization procedures, social distancing markers, hand sanitization stations, and touchless payment options.

Since Graceland is allowing fewer visitors, it is recommended to make reservations and purchase tickets in advance. There are options to print tickets at home and to get prepaid parking. More info is here. 

The Horseshoe Casino, Tunica

Slot machine banks will be arranged to allow for social distancing, and table games will be offered with limited seating. Poker, the Sportsbook, Village Square Buffet, the Laurel Lounge, and the WSOP bar will remain closed until further notice. They are expected to reopen in phases according to public health authorities and consumer demand. A full list of the amenities that will be available is at Horseshoe Tunica’s website here.

The enhanced health and safety protocols include more frequent cleaning and sanitization, and daily temperature checks and screenings of employees, who will be required to wear masks. Guests will be provided masks and will be strongly encouraged to wear them throughout their visit. Southland Casino Racing announced earlier this week that it will reopen Monday, May 18th. Read the story here.