A pair of annual summertime traditions at the Indian Lake area have been added to the list of festivities that have been canceled this year because of the COVID-19 crisis — the Logan County Art League’s Art on the Beach and the 2020 Nashville Hitmakers show at Indian Lake High School.
Thursday, Art League representatives reported the cancellation of the 13th annual event, previously scheduled for June 27 and 28 at Indian Lake State Park’s Old Field Beach in Lakeview. The annual festival features a juried show for professional art and fine crafts for sale, along with entertainment and food vendors.
“We’re looking forward to being back in 2021,” representatives said.
The Nashville Hitmakers show began in 2012 and typically takes place during August. The concert features headliner Even Stevens, a major award-winning songwriter, who grew up in Lewistown and graduated from Indian Lake High School.
Representatives from the Indian Lake Watershed Project said it is “with deep regret” that they have decided to cancel the 2020 show.
“After much deliberation, considering the COVID-19 pandemic, and no guarantee when the social distancing rule will be lifted, we feel it wouldn’t be sensible to try to have a successful event this year.
“Secondly, and most important to us is the fact that our local businesses have taken quite an economic ‘hit’ and we feel we should honor that face by not asking for donations or sponsorships of the show.”
Plans are already in place to host the 2021 Nashville Hitmakers show for Aug. 21, 2021.
“We have a stellar line-up of artists and are planning to feature that same roster of singer/songwriters for next year’s concert,” representatives said.
A long-time environmentalist, Stevens enjoys the history of the Indian Lake area and spending time on the lake whenever he is able to return to his roots, according to the www.nashvillehitmakers.com. The area native has lived the songwriter’s life in Nashville, where he moved after his military service.