SALISBURY, Md. – Phase III of Maryland Governor Larry Hogan’s plan to reopen officially kicks in this Friday. The plan means all Maryland businesses may open up their doors including arts and entertainment venues and companies that have long-awaited the moment.

Salisbury Wicomico Arts Council (SWAC) Executive Director Therese Hamilton says the organization has been forced to cancel many of their events due to the pandemic. She says the news of reopening is a win for the arts – but a cautious one.

“It means hurray and yay and hallelujah for everybody,” Hamilton said. “We’ll start a little later and then just have a fabulous year that way. There’s nothing in the next couple of months, but it won’t be long.”

Hamilton says the delay will likely extend through Winter into 2021.

At the Avalon Theater in Easton, CEO of the Avalon Foundation Al Bond says the comeback may be even sooner – possibly within in the month. Bond says safety is still priority. He says only 100 people will be allowed back into the building.

“It’s significantly less (people),” Bond said. “Whatever we do, it’s going to be something safe and responsible.”

Hamilton agrees the venues will take time to open while they find the safest way to return.

“We have to kind of think of those things. We can’t jump into a big concert immediately,” Hamilton said. “The arts are the same and they’re not going away.”

Both Bond and Hamilton say they are also surveying many of their audience and stakeholders to try and make decisions on when and how to reopen.