MSU Billings Foundation cancels Octoberfest

MSU BILLINGS FOUNDATION NEWS—The MSU Billings Foundation, with guidance from the Yellowstone County Health Department and MSU Billings Chancellor Rolf Groseth, has elected to cancel Octoberfest. The event was originally scheduled on Tuesday, Oct. 6, from 4-7 p.m. in the MSU Billings Foundation backyard.

“We are closely monitoring the number of COVID-19 cases in Yellowstone County, which showed a marked increase over the weekend,” said MSUB Foundation President and CEO Bill Kennedy. “For the safety of our many guests and supporters, we chose to cancel. We hope to see our donors and friends at another event in the future, once the threat of COVID-19 has decreased, and thank everyone who planned to attend for their understanding in the meantime.”

Kennedy and Chancellor Groseth consulted with Yellowstone County Health Official John Felton on Monday, who concurred with the foundation’s decision to cancel.

“As we see a rise in COVID-19 in our community, it is imperative that we cancel or postpone large social gatherings to inhibit the transmission of this virus,” said Felton. “Please continue to take necessary precautions to remain as healthy and safe as possible as we combat the impact of this pandemic in Yellowstone County.”

The MSUB Foundation will evaluate the number of COVID-19 cases and associated risk of transmission before future scheduled events. For more information, call Lauren Logan, development coordinator, at (406) 657-2246 or email lauren.logan@msubfoundation.com.