Duluth hoping hit from canceled events lessened by social distancing Up North

DULUTH – There hasn't been a single case of the corona­virus confirmed within more than 100 miles of northeastern Minnesota, but like its peers around the world, the city is bracing for a blow to business.

A series of college hockey playoff games were canceled in Duluth, as were a pair of conventions that would have drawn statewide crowds — all preventive health measures taken in light of the global pandemic.

But as worries and the virus itself spread, Duluth's current status as a coronavirus-free community could temper the economic hit.

As schools take their spring breaks, families are grappling with whether to forgo their vacations for the sake of well-being. Some are canceling trips and opting to stay closer to home — like University of Minnesota Twin Cities student Nicole Zhang, who abandoned plans to head to Chicago to travel to Duluth with friends.

"We, too, have heard anecdotally that families in the metro who canceled their plans to fly somewhere warm for spring break rebooked to spend their spring break north," said Maarja Anderson Hewitt, spokeswoman for Visit Duluth, the nonprofit contracted for marketing by the city.

Grandma's Restaurants have been having "a great couple weeks," said Brian Daugherty, president of the iconic local eateries.

"Better than last year at this time," Daugherty said. "But that could all change in a second."

The cancellation Thursday of the conventions of the Concrete Paving Association of Minnesota and the Minnesota State Fire Chief's Association (now trying to reschedule) cost the city's industries an estimated $525,000, Anderson Hewitt added.

By Friday evening, several other events were officially canceled or postponed: Motor­head Madness' two-day show next weekend and Mercy­Me's April 4 concert.

Spring is Duluth's busy season for gatherings like these, so future groups following suit would worsen the financial hit.

Grandma's Marathon released a statement Thursday saying organizers are in touch with officials about the virus but have no plans to cancel their race, which draws thousands to Duluth each June.

Duluth Playhouse, the local theater company, said Friday it is postponing all events, including "Matilda: The Musical" and "Spamalot," through at least April 5.

That's why Daugherty started daily management briefings to "overemphasize" Grandma's health standards and training. He also likes to reiterate that the restaurants offer curbside pickup and home delivery.

"The next six to eight weeks, I think, could be very trying times," he said. "But I know I'm hopeful that this virus passes just like any viruses before now."