Mixed reactions to second consecutive cancellation of Burning Man Published article Some 4500 people gathered in the Black Rock Desert of Northern Nevada for the burning man celebration. People camped right out o the desert playa. RENO, Nev. - The cancellation of Burning Man for the second year is drawing mixed reaction in northern Nevada, where some businesses and tourism officials say they’ll miss the economic boost from festival-goers but health officials are glad they won’t contribute to increasing the risk of spreading COVID-19. The counter-culture festival in the Black Rock Desert about 100 miles north of Reno typically attracts nearly 80,000 people who spend an estimated $63 million in Nevada.