2019 Bluesfest performer Rick Estrin. The 2021 Chenango County Bluesfest will be held on August 20 and 21 at the Chenango County Fairgrounds. (Photo by Zachary Meseck)

NORWICH — After months of uncertainty, changing guidelines, and other beloved Chenango County events being cancelled, the Chenango County Blues Association has announced the show will go on.

Chenango County Blues Association representative Eric Larsen stated the event is set to return August 20 and 21 at the Chenango County Fairgrounds, despite the challenge of unclear and ever-changing COVID-19 guidelines.

"The plan is that we are going to go ahead and try to do it," said Larsen. "We all want to find a way to do it safely so we're hoping for more clarity."

Larsen stated they received guidance from the state in April, in the form of a 33 page long list of requirements. Now, he says, they're hoping for an updated version.

Currently, everyone who attends the Bluesfest this year will have to show proof of a COVID vaccine, or a negative COVID test administered within the last 72 hours, according to Larsen. He also stated there may need to be some kind of social distancing in place, and that tickets will need to be sold exclusively online.

"All indications are that we will have to sell all the tickets online and in advance. We will not have gate sales and we will not have any in-person purchasing of tickets. So unfortunately you won't be able to go to the Blue Ox or Commerce Chenango or The Y and buy tickets," Larsen explained.