RDA cancels all June Thursdays Downtown events due to coronavirus pandemic
Big changes are in store for Rochester’s signature summer event series.
In an email sent to stakeholders Wednesday, Rochester Downtown Alliance executive director Holly Masek said that after consulting with public health officials, vendors, and others, her organization has reached the conclusion that Thursdays Downtown “must look different this year.”
That means, for starters, postponing the start of the season until at least July. Masek said contingency plans are also being put in place for an even shorter season. If government recommendations do not allow for large group gatherings by August, she said the RDA will cancel the full series.
Masek said the COVID-19 pandemic has posed a “painful dilemma” for the RDA, along with other event organizers: “How can we optimistically plan for the community celebrations and small business marketplaces that are so badly needed right now, while respecting the evolving public health crisis and economic challenges that are all around us?”
“Please know that we have not made this decision lightly,” Masek told stakeholders. “We are doing everything we can to produce a safe, quality event, while being prepared to adapt the plans quickly.”
Additionally, Masek said the following opportunities are being explored:
Creating a Thursdays Downtown online marketplace, to be launched in June, to allow vendors additional revenue opportunities.
Disbursing portions of the event to reduce crowding. This may involve using vacant storefronts to house artisan vendors, using segments of alleys, or using portions of Peace Plaza or Central Park.
Programming smaller musical acts throughout the day rather than large bands at night to reduce crowding of both musicians and audience members.
Live streaming portions of the event for those who wish to avoid crowds.
The annual festival drew an estimated 220,000 event-goers in 2019.
