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The social gathering restrictions of the COVID-19 pandemic have drastically affected two area event venues that are owned by nonprofit organizations in Guthrie and Adair counties.

The Warren Cultural Center in Greenfield hosts many musical acts, weddings, and other events, but since the community spread last March they have had to cancel or postpone 5-7 events until 2021, and have been open mostly to small meeting rentals. The pandemic has also left the center’s Board of Directors hesitant to book any new events, and they have cancelled their New Year’s Eve party, one of their largest sources of revenue. Board Treasurer Nancy Queck shares how the pandemic has affected their budget, “Well, it makes it look pretty bleak. Unfortunately our biggest expenses is utilities and insurance and those don’t stop just because we don’t have anything going on. So it is a strain on us and depending on how much longer it goes on, it’s pretty serious.”

Queck hopes their upcoming annual donor letter campaign will help alleviate their budget. Another local venue that’s been greatly affected is the Saints Center for Culture and the Arts in Stuart. Director Dick Doherty tells Raccoon Valley Radio that the pandemic has seriously hurt their wedding and reception business, as some events were cancelled, some rescheduled and others became “micro events.” Doherty estimates that they have lost 75% of their income so far this year, and the couples that have cancelled say they plan to reschedule, but are waiting for the virus to fade to the background before they pick a date.