For the moment, most all events in public places are still set to go off without a hitch, despite the ongoing water crisis in Jackson.
There are private events, sponsored by local caterers and other business people, that have been forced to adjust their schedules, however.
“We are working closely with our tourism partners, whether it be hotels or restaurants, depending on what type of event that is, to assist them. We are going to be innovative in working through this to help people have events,” said Yolanda Clay-Moore of Visit Jackson.
To this point, the only major events to be postponed or canceled have been at the state fairgrounds. Paw Patrol Live at the Mississippi Coliseum on Saturday and a horse show at the equine center were both postponed because the fairgrounds are being used as a water distribution point.
The state fairgrounds has its own water supply and events there will not be hampered by the water crisis.
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Otherwise, many entities are accustomed to dealing with boil water notices in Jackson.
New Stage Theater has its next production, beginning Sept. 13 and there is no expectation that will change.
A representative from New Stage said that bottled water is always served during intermissions and that water pressure there is currently satisfactory. It was noted that things could change but that the organization is working in much the same way it has for the past month under a boil-water notice.
From a tourism standpoint, Clay-Moore said all of Visit Jackson’s partners and others have been resilient during this crisis.
“Businesses are finding ways to have their events and accommodate their people,” Clay-Moore said. “Whether that is securing porta potties or bringing in water for those functions, folks are making it work.”
From a hotel standpoint, Clay-Moore said each property is on a day-to-day basis as far as being able to take care of visitors in a normal capacity.
“I heard from one of our hoteliers that they were fine (Tuesday), and then (Wednesday), their water stopped,” Clay-Moore said. “But they were able to make accommodations for their patrons to go to another property that did have proper water pressure.”
As far as events at major venues in Jackson such as at the Jackson Convention Complex, nothing has been canceled as far as Visit Jackson knows. However, it is only weeks before two of the biggest draws for the Jackson area takes place as Jackson State University opens it home football slate at Memorial Stadium and a few weeks after that when the State Fair takes place in October.
“I’m positive in my hope that these challenges will be relieved by then,” Clay-Moore said. “I am remaining positive in that thought until I see otherwise. I know that we will use our collaborative ambition to bring entities together to assure those types of events are not canceled.”
