Mardi Gras Rescheduled to July 31, 2020
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Friendship Charities Foundation Incorporated and Gamma Pi Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Incorporated are postponing the Mardi Gras scheduled for March 20, 2020 at Martin’s Crosswinds in Greenbelt, Maryland to Friday, July 31, 2020.
Why is the event being postponed?
The State of Maryland declared a state of emergency and catastrophic health emergency on March 5, 2020 to control and prevent the spread of COVID-19 within the state. Several cases have been confirmed in the State of Maryland and in Prince George’s County.
Coronavirus (“COVID-19”) is a severe respiratory disease, that can result in illness or death, is spread generally by person-to-person contact. According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (“CDC”), higher risk people are older adults and people who have severe chronic medical conditions.
To reduce the spread of COVID-19, the CDC and the Maryland Department of Health recommend canceling large gatherings and social distancing in smaller groups. As a result, on March 12, 2020, Governor Hogan issued an executive order that “social, community, spiritual, religious, recreational, leisure, and sporting gatherings and events (“large gatherings and events”) of more than 250 people are hereby prohibited at all locations and venues, including but not limited to parades, festivals, conventions, and fundraisers.”
How was the new date determined?
The new date for the Mardi Gras is Friday, July 31, 2020, which is the first Friday night date Martin’s Crosswinds had available.
Will my tickets be refunded?
Unfortunately, we are unable to refund tickets. The event is not being canceled but postponed to Friday, July 31, 2020 to give our patrons a first-class experience without the concerns and worry about contracting coronavirus in a mass gathering. There are fixed costs that have been incurred and cannot be recouped and it is our paramount goal to raise vital funds to support the efforts of Friendship Charities to make a positive impact on the lives of our young people, families and senior citizens in Prince George’s County. We can still achieve this important social action goal. It is simply being delayed.
Right now, we are living in unprecedented and uncertain times and we appreciate your understanding and continued support.
How will Friendship Charities and Gamma Pi ensure a safe, clean, sanitized venue for patrons when this is rescheduled?
Friendship Charities and Gamma Pi Chapter will work very closely with the venue to ensure proper preparation and management of the facilities in regards to concerns about the risks associated with coronavirus.
Have you had any contact with or advice from any local or state public health agency about whether to hold Mardi Gras?
We have not had specific communications with public health officials. We have been reviewing and operating according to published guidance made available by public health officials, as well as from news reports. However, the executive order by Gov. Hogan on March 12 established a new level of response in that it prohibits gatherings of more than 250 people. Under this new executive order, Mardi Gras could not be held.
Is it possible that Mardi Gras will be cancelled altogether this year?
According to the executive order issued March 12, 2020, planned large gatherings and events must be canceled or postponed until after termination of the state of emergency and the proclamation of the catastrophic health emergency has been rescinded. At this time, given the information we have and the circumstances, we are planning to simply postpone and reschedule Mardi Gras 2020 for Friday, July 31, 2020. The Mardi Gras is an important fundraiser for our community-based programs and we have no plans to completely cancel the event.
Friendship Charities Foundation Incorporated and Gamma Pi Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Incorporated are postponing the Mardi Gras scheduled for March 20, 2020 at Martin’s Crosswinds in Greenbelt, Maryland to Friday, July 31, 2020.
Why is the event being postponed?
The State of Maryland declared a state of emergency and catastrophic health emergency on March 5, 2020 to control and prevent the spread of COVID-19 within the state. Several cases have been confirmed in the State of Maryland and in Prince George’s County.
Coronavirus (“COVID-19”) is a severe respiratory disease, that can result in illness or death, is spread generally by person-to-person contact. According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (“CDC”), higher risk people are older adults and people who have severe chronic medical conditions.
To reduce the spread of COVID-19, the CDC and the Maryland Department of Health recommend canceling large gatherings and social distancing in smaller groups. As a result, on March 12, 2020, Governor Hogan issued an executive order that “social, community, spiritual, religious, recreational, leisure, and sporting gatherings and events (“large gatherings and events”) of more than 250 people are hereby prohibited at all locations and venues, including but not limited to parades, festivals, conventions, and fundraisers.”
How was the new date determined?
The new date for the Mardi Gras is Friday, July 31, 2020, which is the first Friday night date Martin’s Crosswinds had available.
Will my tickets be refunded?
Unfortunately, we are unable to refund tickets. The event is not being canceled but postponed to Friday, July 31, 2020 to give our patrons a first-class experience without the concerns and worry about contracting coronavirus in a mass gathering. There are fixed costs that have been incurred and cannot be recouped and it is our paramount goal to raise vital funds to support the efforts of Friendship Charities to make a positive impact on the lives of our young people, families and senior citizens in Prince George’s County. We can still achieve this important social action goal. It is simply being delayed.
Right now, we are living in unprecedented and uncertain times and we appreciate your understanding and continued support.
How will Friendship Charities and Gamma Pi ensure a safe, clean, sanitized venue for patrons when this is rescheduled?
Friendship Charities and Gamma Pi Chapter will work very closely with the venue to ensure proper preparation and management of the facilities in regards to concerns about the risks associated with coronavirus.
Have you had any contact with or advice from any local or state public health agency about whether to hold Mardi Gras?
We have not had specific communications with public health officials. We have been reviewing and operating according to published guidance made available by public health officials, as well as from news reports. However, the executive order by Gov. Hogan on March 12 established a new level of response in that it prohibits gatherings of more than 250 people. Under this new executive order, Mardi Gras could not be held.
Is it possible that Mardi Gras will be cancelled altogether this year?
According to the executive order issued March 12, 2020, planned large gatherings and events must be canceled or postponed until after termination of the state of emergency and the proclamation of the catastrophic health emergency has been rescinded. At this time, given the information we have and the circumstances, we are planning to simply postpone and reschedule Mardi Gras 2020 for Friday, July 31, 2020. The Mardi Gras is an important fundraiser for our community-based programs and we have no plans to completely cancel the event.
