By RACHAL PINKERTON

Staff Writer

OTHELLO — The Othello Sandhill Crane Festival committee announced on Wednesday, March 11, that the Sandhill Crane Festival scheduled for March 20-22 has been canceled due to concerns of spreading the novel coronavirus, also known as COVID-19.

The decision was made after a meeting on Wednesday morning with Dr. Alexander Brzezny, health officer for the health departments in Adams and Grant counties, according to a press release from the Othello Sandhill Crane Festival on Thursday. The meeting was also attended by members from the health departments of Adams and Grant counties, the Othello Sandhill Crane Festival committee, Othello School District, the city of Othello, Columbia Basin Health Association, Adams County Emergency Management and the Adams County Sheriff’s Office.

Brzezny recommended that the festival be canceled as a proactive measure to protect the health of both the citizens of Othello and those traveling to the festival. Current research is suggesting that one of the ways that the COVID-19 virus is being spread is through large gatherings.

The festival is held in such a way that social spacing (a personal bubble of six to eight feet) isn’t possible. Public health officials believe that social spacing is necessary to prevent further spread of the virus.

“People have been understanding and supportive of the decision we had to make in light of the coronavirus (COVID-19) implications that large gatherings could have,” said Chris Braunwart, one of the co-chairmen for the Othello Sandhill Crane Festival. “We are looking forward to next year.”

While the 2020 Othello Sandhill Crane Festival has been canceled, the cranes are still migrating through the area.

“The cranes are here,” Braunwart said. “We have wonderful migrating birds. The snowbirds are out on the lake (at MarDon). It is beautiful to see.”

Braunwart said that there are geese, ducks, red-winged blackbirds and swans in the Othello area and Potholes State Park. While the festival isn’t happening, she recommended driving and hiking around the area to see the variety of birds.

“You can hike and have plenty of room,” Braunwart said. “You’re not going to get sick.”

A map for self-guided tours will be available outside the Old Hotel Art Gallery for visitors to look at and take pictures of. The Old Hotel Art Gallery is located at 33 E. Larch St. in Othello.

“Drive around the refuge,” Braunwart said. “If you take a couple of back roads, there is a good chance to see the cranes. They’re here. A lot of people don’t get off the main roads. It’s an experience to enjoy the nature around here.”

The Old Hotel Art Gallery has canceled its Taste of Heart of the Basin that would have been held on the Saturday of the festival. It had originally planned to be open as well on Saturday. But with the latest round of closures issued by Washington Governor Jay Inslee, the Old Hotel will now be closed.

The chocolate, cheese and wine tasting event that was scheduled for Saturday at the Ironworks Cafe and Market has also been canceled. They are being affected by the restaurant closure mandated by the governor. At this point, the tasting event is being postponed until after the restrictions are lifted.