Coronavirus Fears: Chicago Bridal Expo Canceled

EAST DUNDEE, IL — An East Dundee bridal shop owner believes millions of dollars will be lost this weekend due to the cancellation of the national Bridal Market Chicago tradeshow over growing concerns of coronavirus, according to ABC Chicago. The spread and fear of COVID-19 is impacting the wedding industry, including venues and vendors, as couples prepare for the possibility of postponing or cancelling their wedding day, the news report said.

Complete Bridal owner David Gaffke told ABC Chicago the cancellation of the tradeshow is going to leave a "devastating impact" with small shops, including bridal, across the U.S.

Related: Coronavirus In Illinois: March 11 Update

This, in turn, will end up impacting all businesses involved in weddings.

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The tradeshow, described on the website as "The leading tradeshow for your bridal & special occasion needs, offering the latest styles from the industry's top manufacturers," was scheduled to take place Sunday through Tuesday. However, organizers released the following statement this week:

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"AFTER CAREFUL CONSIDERATION, THE NATIONAL BRIDAL MARKET CHICAGO, ORIGINALLY SCHEDULED MARCH 15-17, 2020, HAS BEEN CANCELLED. GROWING CONCERNS OVER THE NOVEL CORONAVIRUS (COVID-19) OUTBREAK HAVE PROMPTED THE UNFORTUNATE DECISION TO CANCEL BY SHOW MANAGEMENT. OUR TOP PRIORITY IS THE HEALTH AND SAFETY OF OUR EXHIBITORS, ATTENDEES AND STAFF."

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On Wednesday morning, organizers of Chicago's St. Patrick's Day parade said they are postponing Saturday's parade amid coronavirus fears. The South Side Irish Parade has also been postponed.

Patch will continue updating the list of businesses, schools and event closures happening throughout the Chicago area.

Nationwide, there have been 29 coronavirus deaths. There have not been any deaths in Illinois.