What a difference a few days makes? Just a week after announcing plans to continue on with its Spring Market, scheduled for April 25-29, the High Point Market Authority has reversed course. The organizing body behind the twice-a-year show issued a statement on Thursday evening saying that growing concern over the rapidly-evolving and expanding reach of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) has forced the group to make the tough decision to postpone this year’s show. The High Point Market Authority is targeting an early June date for the Spring Market, should conditions improve.

Here’s a look at the full statement from the High Point Market Authority:

The High Point Market Authority has been closely monitoring the ongoing and rapidly-evolving Coronavirus (COVID-19) situation, staying in constant contact with local and state public health officials and elected officials. Heeding the public guidance offered by NC Governor Roy Cooper, and in the interest of the health and safety of our stakeholders, industry members, and local citizens, the High Point Market Authority has decided to postpone this year’s Spring Market, scheduled for April 25-29, until a later date in early June, should conditions improve.

“The decision was difficult, as any change in date could have tremendous economic repercussions on our industry and community, as well as the countless small businesses whose livelihoods rely on High Point Market, but underscores our shared concern and well-being of the citizens in our community and our industry partners,” commented Dudley Moore, Jr., chairman of the High Point Market Authority’s board of directors and president of Otto & Moore.

High Point Market has been a staple of the North Carolina economy since 1909. Throughout its long-standing history, cancellation has only occurred once when the 1942 markets were cancelled due to World War II.

“Our board of directors will continue to monitor the situation, and we will remain in communication with the proper medical and elected officials,” commented Tom Conley, president and CEO of the High Point Market Authority. “Our aim is to have a decision in early May as to if Market can occur, given the uncertainties of this rapidly evolving situation.”

For the time being, online registration will be postponed, with the plan to reopen once the new plan has been put in place.

For more information on the Spring Market and other updates, be sure to visit the High Point Market website.