(MURFREESBORO) The 2020 International FolkFest has been cancelled as a result of the COVID-19 worldwide pandemic, according to Director Steve Cates.

Cates told WGNS, "Regretfully, our International Folkloric Society Planning Council has canceled this summer's 2020 festival. We remain thankful to all of you for your continued support. We hope that this same basic schedule can be used for our June 6-13, 2021 International Folkfest."

Dance troupes from Slovenia, Slovakia, Puerto Rico and the United States were slated to perform in Murfreesboro and around the mid-state this coming June.

The event was formed in 1986 as The International Folkloric Society Planning Council, Inc. It is a non-profit organization based in Murfreesboro.

In an earlier conversation, Cates noted, "Over that thirty-four year time period, several area residents met their first cold war resident from overseas--many of whom they were taught from childhood to be considered as enemies. You can't imagine how many times local residents have confided that these people are just like us--just a different language."

In addition to his work with the International FolkFest, Cates also founded the Cripple Creek Cloggers. It was a 4-H project at Kittrel School in 1967. Over the years, the group's popularity grew and in 1977 they were invited to participate at an international event in Puerto Rico. As is said, "The rest is history".

The group's mission is to promote and preserve international cultural heritage with a primary focus on the arts.

Check these websites:

International FolkFest: http://www.mboro-international-folkfest.org/

Cripple Creek Cloggers: http://www.cripplecreekcloggers.org/