The ongoing coronavirus pandemic has forced the Chicago Botanic Garden to cancel its popular Orchid Show.
The show, which features displays of approximately 10,000 orchids, was set to open in February in the public greenhouses, but Chicago Botanic Garden officials did not believe that would be possible this year amid the COVID-19 outbreak.
“The health and safety of our community of visitors, staff and volunteers — as well as our community at large — remains our top priority,” said Harriet Resnick, Garden vice president of visitor experiences and business development, in an email.
Last year, the Orchid Show, which began in 2014, drew more than 36,000 people even though the last nine days were canceled because of the initial onset of the pandemic. In 2019, roughly 44,000 people attended, officials said.
The Chicago Botanic Garden has also postponed its Super Seed Weekend and the Science Festival, which are indoor events.
The greenhouses will continue to be closed as the narrow pathways do not allow for social distancing, according to a statement.
However, the grounds, Garden Shop and Visitor’s Center will remain open to patrons.