Apache Junction Unified School District’s Performing Arts Center will not be hosting the Arizona Lecture Series in 2021 due to COVID-19 concerns.

“It is with saddened hearts to announce that the Arizona Lecture Series will be canceled for the 2021 season. With the uncertainty of the novel coronavirus and the recent spikes of cases in Pinal County it has been deemed unsafe for the series to carry out for its 2021 season run,” Zach Lundquest, Arizona Lecture Series coordinator, said in a release.

“Even with all the extra precautions with limited capacity, temperature checks, extra cleanings and sanitizing of the auditorium, it is still unsafe to carry out this program as the risk far outweighs the joy of this program. The district and the series still takes a risk at exposure with the COVID-19 virus and our ultimate responsibility is to keep all who enter the auditorium or any other AJUSD facility safe and healthy,” he said.

For anyone who has purchased a 2021 season ticket, hold onto the tickets as they will be redeemable for the 2022 season. For anyone who purchased an individual series ticket for either the Navajo Code Talkers lecture or the Wyatt Earp One Act Play production, hold onto that ticket as it will be redeemable for one lecture for the 2022 season as well, the release states.

To receive a refund for either ticket purchased, call AJUSD at 480-982-1110 extension 2250 or email Zachary.Lundquest@goaj.org.

“We look forward to seeing you all back for the 2022 Arizona Lecture Series that will be full of laughs, joy and learning adventures. Happy trails to you and stay safe,” Mr. Lundquest said in the release.