The COVID-19 pandemic has been closing down and/or effecting businesses and area organizations since March. States were left to dictate their closures and reopening courtesy of their governors.
The state of Iowa has been opening back up in stages, much like the rest of the nation. With reopenings around the U.S., COVID-19 numbers are again on the rise in several areas, causing the rethinking and/or closure of several annual celebrations.
In Wilton and Durant, the COVID-19 pandemic has meant the cancellation of three major summer celebrations, starting with last weekend's Fourth of July fireworks in Durant. What follows are the cancellation statements from the Fourth of July celebration, plus Durant Firefighters' Festival and Wilton Founders Day, both of which would have been in August
May 30, via the Durant Fire Department Facebook page:
Unfortunately the Durant Fire Department has made the decision to cancel this year’s Firefighters’ Celebration. With the current guidelines due to COVID, along with the unknown restrictions for that time, we feel the celebration may put the community at potential risk. The Fire Department is looking at still holding a celebration of sorts in a smaller fashion, however, we are in the process of finalizing details before officially announcing anything. We thank everyone for their continued support and look forward to when we can socialize as we have in the past. Stay safe and we will get through this!
June 9, via the Durant Chamber of Commerce Facebook page:
With consideration the 2020 Fourth of July Community Fireworks Celebration has been canceled … There is a possibility of rescheduling this event later this year.
June 26, via the Wilton Chamber of Commerce Facebook page:
After careful consulting with our affiliated businesses and Muscatine County Public Health, the Wilton Chamber of Commerce had to make the difficult decision to cancel Founders Day 2020, scheduled for Aug. 21-22.
Following concerns about the COVID-19 virus, we felt this was the best way to proceed during such an unprecedented global situation. We are very disappointed that we are unable to hold this event for our community and supporters. But we know it’s the right decision based on the information we have today.
Executive Vice President Brandy Marquez will be reaching out directly to vendors and businesses to discuss payments and donations that were received in more detail.
We thank everyone for your continued support and look forward to bringing Founders Day back in 2021.
