Utah’s Easter Jeep Safari Cancelled Due to Coronavirus Pandemic
As national COVID-19 concerns magnify, Red Rock 4-Wheelers, Inc cancelled its annual Easter Jeep Safari for the first time in 53 years.
The novel coronavirus (COVID-19) has been dominating headlines for months; it spreads quickly, the symptoms are otherworldly, and the public is panic buying all of the country’s toilet paper, among other supplies. However, as Jeep fanatics, we argue now is the best time to panic. The virus has caused such a stir, that one of the world’s most highly-anticipated Jeep gatherings have been cancelled. Not postponed like large music festivals or movie releases have, but full-on cancelled. Ladies and gentlemen, those of us writing for JK-Forum deeply regret telling you that this year’s Easter Jeep Safari has been axed in the best interests of everyone involved.
Red Rock 4-Wheelers, Inc announced themselves their concerns of hosting such a large gathering whilst the virus runs rampant. In their statement, they acknowledge the fact that both Grand County and Moab city are eager to limit as much human interaction as possible. To achieve this, many of Moab’s campgrounds and motels have been ordered to close, and restaurants are to limit services to encourage citizens to stay home. Therefore, Red Rock 4-Wheelers, Inc declares their intention to fully reimburse all tickets bought to make the saddening news a little less stressful.
“In the best interests of everyone concerned, for the first time in 53 years, we are cancelling Easter Jeep Safari,” says Red Rock 4-Wheelers, Inc. “There is no need to contact us, your Event fees will be refunded to your credit card as soon as possible, your patience is greatly appreciated as these may take 30-60 days to process.”
Sadly, though, they also disclose their inability to retain payments for next year’s Easter Jeep Safari. In addition to the event themselves, they also apologetically close the trail of the month events. Though, aside from the Jeep Safari and trail of the month events being cast aside by COVID-19, Zach Butler with The Fast Lane Truck reports more tragic news. Moab’s leading Jeep events weren’t and won’t be the only automotive events to show the white flag to the current pandemic.
For example, the New York Auto Show was postponed until August as opposed to April. Formula 1’s opening race for the season was cancelled. Geneva’s Auto Show was cancelled altogether. NHRA announced that the Gatornational races were cancelled after a driver tested positive for COVID-19. NASCAR changed their original plans to race without spectators in the stands to cancelling races at Atlanta Motor Speedway and Homestead-Miami speedway. Even Disneyland and Disneyworld closed the gates to the happiest places on Earth to help stop the viral spread. Also, before the Jeep Safari was officially cancelled, FCA themselves backed out of the event.
Now is most definitely a sad time to be a car fan, let alone Jeep fan. Though, once this virus has had its fill of causing panic, we can only hope that the balance for auto enthusiasts will be restored. Until then, stay safe, and wash your hands. Next year’s Jeep Safari could depend on it.
Photos: FCA Media Site
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