WEST SPRINGFIELD/SPRINGFIELD – With the uncertainty of the future in terms of the prevalence of COVID-19 and the lack of a vaccine, another area event has been postponed.

The Eastern States Exposition, though, has not yet announced any closure but instead is announcing a number of its music acts for the annual event.

On May 28, the president and CEO of the Basketball Hall of Fame, John Doleva released the following statement: “At this time, I can now confirm that the Aug. 28 to 30 Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame Enshrinement Ceremonies have been postponed. Given the unprecedented challenge of planning in the COVID-19 era, we are exploring several scenarios to accommodate the Class of 2020 ceremony, including postponing the festivities until October or early 2021, as mentioned by Chairman Jerry Colangelo. In accordance with our original event planning timeline, the Hall of Fame will review all options and reserve its final decision to the week of June 15. Further information will be forthcoming at that time. The health and safety of our Class members, returning Hall of Famers and Enshrinement guests is of paramount importance in our decision-making process. Again, we congratulate the highly anticipated Class of 2020 and look forward to gathering to celebrate their tremendous careers and impact on the game when it’s determined safe to do so.”

West Springfield Mayor Will Reichelt addressed questions about whether or not the Big E would still be presented this year.

He wrote, “I understand there are many individuals with questions regarding the possibility of the Big E Fair happening in September. As I’m sure you’re all aware the Governor just announced his detailed Reopening Report last week (can be viewed at mass.gov/covid-reopen) that precludes large venues from opening their doors until Phase 4. In addition, the State has created detailed, sector specific, workplace safety guidelines for each industry allowed to reopen. The State has only released Phase 1 guidelines at this time and has not provided a firm timetable as to when each new phase will begin. At this point it’s unclear if, and under what conditions, any large gatherings will be allowed in September.

“We would all understandably appreciate more clarity to this situation as Fair preparations, for both the town and the Eastern States, are a significant undertaking in any year but especially so with the pandemic looming. To that end I have reached out to our legislative delegation to request clarity as to the possibility of large gatherings in the fall and when we could expect a ruling from the Governor to that end. Currently, the Boston Marathon is still scheduled to take place the Monday before the Fair would open, attracting over 500,000 to the City in a day. [Since this statement was released the Boston marathon has been canceled.] As soon as we get a response from the Statehouse, I’ll pass it along to our community.

“If the Governor allows large gatherings to take place in time to potentially allow the Fair to open in September, I’ll meet with our public safety team to review the guidance that would be provided by the State. We would determine whether we believe that guidance is adequate for the Fair, which is a unique event in our region, and if additional precautions are required. We’ll also discuss whether we think any precautions, including those provided by the State, would be enough to protect both our community and patrons to the Fair. But at this time we do not have any direction from the State as to what Phase 4 (the final phase which is the only one that allows large gatherings) would look like or when it would, if at all, start.”

Various other smaller fairs, such as Franklin County, Blandford, Middlefield and Cummington, have all cancelled. The Three County Fair has not announced a closing.

The Big E has announced the following performers will be at the Court of Honor stage in free concerts:
•American singer, songwriter and actor Jesse McCartney of “Beautiful Soul” fame, Sept. 18, 8 p.m.
•Rainere Martin in The Donna Summer Experience, Sept. 21 to 22, 3 p.m.
•Rock and roll icons,The Yardbirds, Sept. 21 to 22, 8 p.m.
• The performers of 10 number one singles, Exile, Sept. 23 to 24, 3 p.m.
•Swing music and jazz stars Big Bad Voodoo Daddy, Sept. 23, 8 p.m.
•Hoobastank, Sept. 25, 8 p.m.
•Latin Hip Hop star Lisa Lisa, Sept. 30, 8 p.m.
•Psychedelic superstars from the 1960s, Big Brother and the Holding Company, Sept. 30 to Oct. 1, 3 p.m.
•Grand Ole Opry star Carly Pearce, Oct. 2, 8 p.m.
•Veteran rock and rollers Pablo Cruise, Oct. 2 to 4, 3 p.m.