Mexican delegation cancels Springfield visit over swine flu

While cases of swine flu haven't been reported in Springfield, the city is not immune to the outbreak's effects.

The Springfield Sister Cities Association said today that a delegation from sister city Tlaquepaque, Mexico, has canceled its trip to Springfield for this Friday's ArtsFiesta! in Founder's Park.

Government officials and an all-woman mariachi band had planned to visit for the event, which is part of ArtsFest on Historic Walnut Street this weekend. Efforts are being made to reschedule the trip this summer, according to a news release.

As of Monday, reports of swine flu were highest in the U.S. and Mexico.

"We are not acting out of fear, but from our mutual concern for the welfare and peace of mind of our friends in both cities," Springfield Sister Cities Association spokesman John Price said in the release. "With the announcement made by Mexican officials to close schools nationwide, we thought this was the right decision to make, especially given some of the speculations and uncertainty of what steps could be taken regarding travel restrictions between both Mexico and the United States."

All other ArtsFest events will go on as planned.[[In-content Ad]]