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Coronavirus Cancellations: Pittsburgh Cultural Trust Cancels All Events Through Mid-June, Including Three Rivers Arts Festival

PITTSBURGH (KDKA) - The Three Rivers Arts Festival is suspended, along with all other Pittsburgh Cultural Trust events scheduled through June 14.

"As we continue to follow the leadership of Governor Wolf and our public health officials, it is with a heavy heart that we have come to the extremely difficult decision to suspend additional Pittsburgh Cultural Trust events, extending through June 14," a press release said.

The Dollar Bank Three Rivers Arts Festival and the EQT Children's Theater Festival -- two of the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust's biggest events -- are canceled because of the coronavirus outbreak.

"This is a real tradition in Pittsburgh, this is tried and true. And we've been joking, is it even going to be summer if the Arts Festival doesn't happen?" Said Sarah Aziz, director of the Three Rivers Arts Festival and Pittsburgh Cultural Trust.

However, the trust says it wants to try and "produce digital spaces" for people to gather and celebrate these festivals.

"We really do think it's what's best and safest for the city," Aziz told KDKA News.

A press release says the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust will be in contact with people who have purchased tickets to suspended events.

"I love the festival and everything about it. Won't get to experience it this year," said professional skyline photographer JP Diroll.

Diroll says artists from all over will feel the impact.

"I was kind of crushed," he said. "It's kind of Christmas in terms of my business. It's my favorite week of the year."

More information on the Coronavirus pandemic:

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