In an email and a subsequent post on its website, the city stated the July 4 concert in Thompson Park and Rhythm on the River, slated for July 10 and 11 at Roger's Grove Park, are scratched this year.
Citing the extension of the statewide safer-at-home order — including the continued prohibition of gatherings of more than 10 people — through July 1, the city stated uncertainty surrounding events later in the month prompted the “difficult decision” to cancel the concert and music fest.
“We know the community looks forward to the joy these events bring each year and we’re all disappointed. We also know that our community is resilient and will take advantage of all the safe, distanced outdoor activities we can enjoy this summer in our beautiful city,” Karen Roney, director of Community Services, stated in the news release.
The news came on the heels of Tuesday’s announcement that a modified proposal aimed at ensuring social distancing at the Skyline Kiwanis’ Fourth of July fireworks display is under review.
The city has given a conditional approval to hold the fireworks at the Fire Training Center, 111 First Ave., and is “working on finalizing a traffic plan, as we will close several streets in order to discourage social gathering and maintain the appropriate ‘fall out zone,’” Longmont Public Information Officer Rigo Leal stated in an Tuesday night email. “There will be no gathering opportunities and people will be encouraged to watch from their homes.”
The city has not yet consulted with Boulder County Public Health on the conditional plan, Leal stated in the Tuesday email. ”We remain optimistic, but there are a number of pieces that still need to come together for this to be a go and still ensure we are protecting our community.”
Also canceled in response to the coronavirus is the Boulder County Fair, which will continue virtually and could possibly have some 4-H and Future Farmers of America youth livestock modified events on the fairgrounds, according to a Facebook post from organizers. But entertainment activities will be moved to July 30 through Aug. 8, 2021.
Visit Longmont Executive Director Nancy Rezac last week said Pressed Fest, presented by the Colorado Cider Guild; Jazz Fest, presented by the Longmont Jazz Association; and Rocky Mountain Dock Dogs at the Boulder County Fair also have been canceled.
Rezac said she is still waiting to hear if Wibby Brewing’s Hooplagers festival and Bicycle Longmont’s Radler Ride will cancel or reschedule, and the fate of Oktoberfest also is unknown right now.
In lieu of summer gatherings, the city urged residents to tap into a host of local virtual events, including the Longmont Museum Summer Concert Series, which is being held virtually on Facebook. The series kicks off next week, with a performance by Hazel Miller and the Collective at 7:30 p.m. June 18. To view the concert or any of the subsequent performances, visit the museum’s Facebook page and click on videos.
A wide range of virtual programming also is being offered by city departments and facilities, including virtual summer camps, fitness activities and history lectures. To stay up to date on library, museum, Recreation, Youth Center and Senior Services programs and virtual events, click here.
The city also urged residents to take advantage of local parks, trails and outdoor recreation opportunities but to observe COVID-19 precautionary measures including wearing face coverings, maintaining six feet of distance from others, frequent hand washing and limiting gatherings to 10 people or less.
.jpg;w=120;h=80;mode=crop)