The last major event to be held on the First Coast before the Covid-19 pandemic hit is holding off on being held again.
The Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance, typically held in early March, will be moved to May 20 to 23, the organizers of the classic car show said Monday.
“At the outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic The Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance Foundation made a promise to put the safety of our spectators, volunteers, entrants, judges, vendors, sponsors, staff and board of directors first,” Councours founder Bill Warner said in a statement. “Every day since, our team has consulted experts, followed local and national developments and weighed our options. “
As the team looked at the benchmarks it had set for holding the event, the spread of the disease — and the rolling out of a vaccine — made organizers opt for waiting a few months, said spokesman Chris Brewer.
“The vast majority of folks we’ve spoken with are excited about the change, are happy about the change,” he said. “They think it will be a better opportunity to have a vibrant event, like we normally do.”
Still, changes might be made to the event, although nothing has been nailed down.
“I’m sure there will be differences between our 25th and 26th show,” Brewer said. “We hope it is a much more normal show.”
Last year, thousands of car aficionados showed up for the March 5 to 8 event, which celebrated its 25th anniversary. The following weekend, the Players Championship was cancelled as the nation began adapting to the novel coronavirus.
Moving the event this year is planned as just a temporary change, Brewer said: “We really do enjoy our March dates.”
