The Cultural Diversity Luncheon, formerly called the Black History Luncheon, will not be held this year because of the COVID-19 pandemic. The event typically is held in February in Festus.
“We decided we could not put 400 people in a room (with the pandemic ongoing) said Jim Sparling, president of the Cultural Diversity Committee, which co-sponsors the event, along with the Giving Something Back to the Community organization. “It was a difficult decision.”
The luncheon’s name was changed in 2020 for the event’s 25th anniversary, when it was held at the Festus Quality Inn.
He said organizers decided against holding the luncheon as an online event this year.
“We definitely intend for the luncheon to return,” Sparling said. “We’ve already booked the Quality Inn, the band and (made other provisions) for the 2022 luncheon. We want to carry this on.”
The luncheon raises funds for local scholarships.
