Coronavirus concerns cancel St. Pat's in Five Points.

Five Points' annual St. Pat's festival has been canceled because of novel coronavirus concerns.

According to a news release from the Five Points Association, the 38th annual festival, scheduled for March 21, has been postponed, though a recorded message at the association's phone number said, "No rescheduled date has been discussed at this time."

A message left by the Columbia Regional Business Report was not immediately returned.

"It is with a profound sense of disappointment that the Five Points Association has agreed to postpone the 38th annual St. Pat's in Five Points due to concerns surrounding coronavirus," Wednesday's news release said."The Association has been working with (Columbia) Mayor (Steve) Benjamin to determine the best course of action and sadly postponing the festival was the only option."

Weeklong events leading up to the festival wereset to kick off on Friday with the dyeing of the Five Points fountain green. More than 20 bands, including headliner Band of Horses, were slated to perform in an event hosted by S.C. hip hop artist Fat Rat DaCzar.

The annual event draws nearly 40,000 people to the commercial corridor, according to the Five Points Association, and has a $6 million impact on the...