NORWICH — After months of uncertainty, changing guidelines, and other beloved Chenango County events being cancelled, the Chenango County Blues Association has announced the show will go on.

Chenango County Blues Association representative Eric Larsen stated the event is set to return August 20 and 21 at the Chenango County Fairgrounds, despite the challenge of unclear and ever-changing COVID-19 guidelines.

"The plan is that we are going to go ahead and try to do it," said Larsen. "We all want to find a way to do it safely so we're hoping for more clarity."

Larsen stated they received guidance from the state in April, in the form of a 33 page long list of requirements. Now, he says, they're hoping for an updated version.

Currently, everyone who attends the Bluesfest this year will have to show proof of a COVID vaccine, or a negative COVID test administered within the last 72 hours, according to Larsen. He also stated there may need to be some kind of social distancing in place, and that tickets will need to be sold exclusively online.

"All indications are that we will have to sell all the tickets online and in advance. We will not have gate sales and we will not have any in-person purchasing of tickets. So unfortunately you won't be able to go to the Blue Ox or Commerce Chenango or The Y and buy tickets," Larsen explained.

But, Larsen also explained that these rules are based on the April guidelines, and are subject to change.

"These are the kind of things that may change, but that's the current guidance," said Larsen.

Because COVID guidelines can change rapidly, Larsen said they plan to wait until a month before the festival and post the event guidelines on their website, so attendants have the most up-to-date information.

"I think the two things that we've been telling people that we feel are very unlikely to change are a COVID vaccine or a negative COVID test in the last 72 hours," said Larsen. "As far as the other requirements, I feel that those are very much in flux."

Despite the necessary changes to the event, Larsen said the Blues Association still wants to provide an enjoyable experience for guests.

"We're very cognizant of the fact that this event is supposed to be fun," said Larsen. "So we're always looking to enforce the rules in a friendly way."

In addition, Larsen stated that the Blues Association is currently reconfirming attendance with performers, and that this year's Bluesfest will have "probably our biggest and strongest lineup yet."

Guests can also expect much of the festival to stay the same, said Larsen, aside from the new COVID safety requirements.

"The food vendors should be very much the same, the artists very much the same, our camping area very much the same," said Larsen. "A very familiar look and feel as every other year, just some added safety protocols."

The Chenango County Bluesfest is made possible by local businesses and foundations, according to Larsen. He stated that this year, the Bluesfest is being funded by 75 businesses and individual contributors.

"It's very much a community-wide network," said Larsen.

The Chenango County Blues Association also organizes the free Summer Concert Series in Norwich every year. But, Larsen stated that plans for this year are still up in the air.

"We don't know where we're at but we want to do as many as we can," said Larsen. "We hope to know more within a few weeks because we really need to be able to put the pieces in place."

Overall, Larsen stated he and other organizers are committed to providing a safe and enjoyable event for the community.

"Everybody has put so much hard work into this, it's a labor of love," said Larsen.

For more information and to keep up with the Chenango County Bluesfest guidelines, visit www.chenangobluesfest.org.