Which WNY events are planning for a 2021 summer?

BUFFALO, N.Y. (WKBW) — The cancellation of festival season last year meant the world’s largest garden tour, Garden Walk Buffalo, had to postpone.

"We estimate at about 60 and 70 thousand people each year," Jim Charlier, Marketing Chair for Garden Walk Buffalo said.

Garden Walk Buffalo is planning to go ahead as scheduled for July 24th and 25th of 2021. Organizers believe the promotion of social distancing, and reducing the amount of gardens participating will help calm COVID-19 concerns. They do understand that adjustments may need to be made if the coronavirus situation in Western New York does not allow for an event of their size.

"We have different contingencies and different budgets in different levels of the walk we can do," Charlier said, "is it all virtual like we did last summer, or is it a much more scaled back version of garden walk?"

Garden walk is one of the only events that is currently announcing their plans. The Allentown Art Festival in June says that they are starting to prep but are incredibly cautious.

"We are not spending much money right now, in the event that we can't hold it," Philippe Deterville, Treasurer of the Allentown Art Festival, said.

According to Deterville, the State has told them to be ready for anything.

"They're not sure if we're going to have the show," Deterville said, "but they suggested we do not cancel yet, so that was a little bit of a hopeful sign."

For a breakdown of where many Western New York events stand, check the list below:

Garden Walk Buffalo:

• Planning for their event the weekend of July 24th
• Social distancing, mask wearing, and limits into certain gardens would be mandatory.

Allentown Art Festival:

• The weekend of June 12th is still the plan
• Waiting for more state guidance to come out
• Expecting an official announcement in April

Taste of Buffalo:

• Currently does not have a comment on event planning
• Hoping to make an announcement "soon"

Erie County Fair:

• No comment at this time
• Is seeking feedback from volunteers for 2021.

Elmwood Art Festival:

• Planning as if it is happening weekend of August 28th
• Will make a final decision by the middle of June
• Waiting for state guidance to ensure safety for everyone