Date: March 11, 2020 

Dear SoFried Family,

Like many festival organizers around the world, the board of Southern Fried Poetry, Inc has been monitoring the global response to Covid-19 (https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html), and discussing what it means for our beloved festival. 

Though the Southern Fried Poetry Slam is still 3 months away, this unprecedented situation has raised questions about the safety and security of our event. We are excited for our festival in Tampa, but also concerned for the welfare and financial security of our community.

At this moment, we plan to open registration for in-region teams on March 15th, as previously planned. Registration for out-of-region teams and individual competitors is scheduled for April 1st. In the case we are advised to cancel or suspend our 2020 festival, all tournament entry fees will be refunded in full. 

We strongly recommend that participating poets create a contingency plan in case the festival is cancelled, such as purchasing ticket insurance for all travel. We also encourage patrons to research Covid-19, and consider the health risks associated with coming in contact with the virus. 

We know most of our attendees are young artists who might not be at risk, but we are mindful of the wellbeing of the vulnerable people that are a part of all our lives. Please let us know if you have any questions or concerns. For now, we are full steam ahead with fingers crossed that we will be seeing you in June!

If you have any questions, please contact your local Slammaster or email info@southernfriedpoetryslam.com.

Sincerely,

The Board of Directors
Southern Fried Poetry, Inc.
www.southernfriedpoetryslam.com