Two popular Mid-Missouri fall festivals have been canceled or changed amid the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.
The Eldon Area Chamber of Commerce announced Thursday the Eldon Turkey Festival, normally held in September, has been canceled for 2020.
"The Eldon Turkey Festival is a longstanding tradition and although we are saddened, out of concern for our community and the many people who attend, we felt it best to cancel it this year only," the Eldon Chamber noted in a Facebook post making the announcement. "The Eldon Turkey Festival will be back in 2021."
The Eldon Chamber is planning a "fun, socially distanced community event this Sept. 26," with more information to be announced soon, according to the post.
The California Area Chamber of Commerce's Ozark Ham & Turkey Festival committee decided this month to cancel the traditional two-day festival. Instead, this year's festival will be a one-day community Ozark Ham & Turkey "Celebration" to honor the festival's 30th year.
The celebration will include a parade Sept. 19, traveling up Smith Street to Oak Street, turning on South Street and ending at the Moniteau County Fairgrounds.
The same day, business owners may choose to celebrate by planning special events at their businesses. Organizations and churches may choose to plan fundraisers or activities as well.
The chamber board will offer the festival logo to area T-shirt vendors and allow them to sell individually.