The Moab Easter Jeep Safari in a nine-day, dyed-in-the-wool 4x4 lovers' dream come true, just not this year. That's right, folks, as if you were surprised. The 2020 Moab Jeep Easter Safari has been canceled thanks to, you guessed it, COVID-19. That means whatever concept vehicles have been birthed to show off there have to wait in the wings for either next year or for a postponed event later this year. It's the first time in 53 years the event hasn't been held. That's some kinda record.
The organizers of the event stated that the decision to cancel had nothing to do with them not being prepared but more due to the closure of local restaurants and hotels in response to the COVID-19 threat. This means participants and spectators would have nowhere to eat or sleep, unless it was bring your own food or order curbside and then sleep in your Jeep. Now, that wouldn't have been so bad. The gathering of no more than 10 people, however, could have also presented a serious obstacle.
Although we've never had the privilege of attending, it looks like a raucously good time with plenty of rock-crawling challenges and stunning vehicles to view. In terms of sheer scale and tradition, it's a true tragedy to see the event go under this year. Here's the official announcement:
"The emergency ordinance by the Grand County council and Moab City limiting attendance at special events has been extended to encompass motels and campgrounds in and around Moab," the announcement said. "Guests have three days to check out of all motels and campgrounds, they are then to remain closed for 30 days. All the restaurants are restricted to curb service only at this time."