KANSAS CITY, Mo. — One of Kansas City’s most fun early summer traditions has been canceled for 2020.
The Big Slick Celebrity Weekend’s Family Board announced Tuesday morning that Big Slick 11, originally scheduled for June 5-6, has been called off in an effort to prevent the spread of the COVID-19.
We have decided to cancel Big Slick Celebrity Weekend for 2020. We’re all disappointed to miss a year, but the health and safety of everyone involved is our highest priority. While our celebrity hosts and guests won’t be batting, bowling or performing in 2020, their love for the Kansas City community, as well as the patients, families and staff at Children’s Mercy, is strong. Unfortunately, in this difficult battle against coronavirus, showing that love means staying home.
Big Slick draws big crowds and requires a lot of travel, which go against social distancing guidelines that are so critical at this time. In making this decision, we appreciate the support and guidance from our partners, who help make each event that weekend so special. We also want to thank those who were generously planning to sponsor or attend Big Slick, as well as our army of incredible volunteers.
The annual event serves as a fundraiser for Children’s Mercy Hospital. Organizers say they are still accepting donations on Big Slick’s website.
"We are grateful for Big Slick and know the decision to cancel did not come easy," Children's Mercy Director of Public Relations Marlene Bentley said in a statement to 41 Action News. "While the Big Slick celebrity hosts won't be batting, bowling or performing in 2020, we know their love for the KC community, as well as our patients, families and staff, is strong and we appreciate all they continue to do to make a difference. We’re excited that they'll be back next year, bigger and better than ever before!"
Big Slick hopes to come back bigger and better than ever in 2021.
