Wurstfest is canceled for the first time in its 60-year history

SAN ANTONIO (KTSA News) – Wurstfest in New Braunfels has survived freezing weather, floods and fire, but this year’s event has fallen to COVID-19.  For the first time in its 60-year history, the festival has been canceled.

The Wurstfest Association of New Braunfels on Thursday announced the cancelation of its 2020 festival, which was scheduled for November 6-15, out of concerns about the pandemic.

“We have had our challenges in the past, including flood events, and most recently,  a fire that destroyed the Marktplatz building. We have always overcome our challenges while making the festival better each year,” said Randy Rust, 2020 Wurstfest President.

Rust acknowledged it was a difficult decision because many non-profit organizations depend on funds raised during the annual event, but with all of the restrictions in place because of the pandemic, they decided to cancel this year’s event.

“When we looked at how festival operations would have to change to prioritize safety, plus the related operational restrictions, we just didn’t feel we would be able to provide the Wurstfest experience we are known for,” said  Rust.

Plans for fundraising efforts to support non-profit organizations that benefit from Wurstfest will be announced in the coming weeks.

Rust declared that Wurstfest 2021 will be a historic celebration, marking the 60th festival.

“Wurstfest is eager to unveil a new and improved Marktplatz building along with many other improvements to the grounds which will no doubt add to the excitement about the 60th festival,” said Rust. “The rebuild of the Marktplatz, which houses most of the food vendors, has been underway since early this year and was on track to be completed for the 2020 festival.”

 

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