Coronavirus concerns postpone Chapel Hill Chinese LIGHTUP festival

The LIGHTUP Chinese New Year festival in Chapel Hill will be postponed this year due to coronavirus concerns, organizers said.

The festival, which draws 5,000 to 6,000 people, was originally scheduled for Feb. 2 on West Franklin Street. A new date hasn't been set.

An organizer told ABC11 this is a safety precaution since many visitors may be traveling from China.

"If you look at the situation in China, it is developing very fast. There are lots of uncertaintlies especially because it is a new virus. There's lots we don't know. So I think it's best it's a public event... I think it's a good decision to make to make to postpone it," said Hongbin Gu, organizer and Chapel Hill Council Member.

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The festival features a lantern parade and exhibitions, performances, authentic Chinese food and more.

The year 2020 is considered the year of the rat.

This Chinese School at Chapel Hill is listed as the main organizer, while the Chinese American Friendship Association of North Carolina is a co-organizer and the town of Chapel Hill is a partner.