KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — The organizers of the Knoxville's St. Patrick's Day celebrations are canceling the events planned this weekend in downtown Knoxville due to public safety concerns.
That includes the parade, Cel-O’Braughtion, and the Knox Shamrock Fest events that include the Lucky Kidney Run and Market Square concerts & festivities.
The East Tennessee Kidney Foundation announced sponsors the Shamrock Fest.
"The risk has become too great," says Executive Director, Katie Martin. "We are a nonprofit health organization; our priority is the health and safety of our community, especially high-risk populations such as dialysis patients and those with chronic kidney disease."
Based on CDC guidelines, organizations are cautioning people in at-risk groups, including older adults and those with chronic medical issues, against attending any large gatherings or events until the coronavirus' spread has subsided.