Rochester cancels large public events through August 16
Hours after the decision was announced to cancel the Minnesota State Fair, the City of Rochester said it plans to suspend all large public events through August 16 as a result of the coronavirus pandemic.
The decision means popular summer events like Thursdays Downtown and Down by the Riverside will not be held at all this year.
“This decision was not made without great thought and consideration,” City Administrator Steve Rymer said in the announcement. “We continue to maintain a focus on the health and safety of our community.”
The city’s announcement comes as Gov. Walz’s administration works on an incremental approach to reopen the state. Large public gatherings such as street festivals and concerts are included in the final phase of the process.
“While it is unfortunate that we will not be able to go forward with these events in their typical format, it is the best decision we can make to keep everyone safe,” Rochester Mayor Kim Norton said in a written statement. “We know community events add such vibrancy to our community and we are working hard on alternative opportunities."
City officials said they plan to continue monitoring public health conditions with their partners at Olmsted County Public Health, and will share further updates for events and activities scheduled for after August 16 as more information becomes available.
In the interim, Rymer said the city will “work with local organizations to identifying creative opportunities to create and celebrate our community” while continuing to navigate the pandemic.
For the RDA, that means potentially producing virtual events, public space improvements and other “passive programs.” It also plans to launch a virtual artisan market with online entertainment in mid-June.
Update: Fair also canceled
Sean Baker is a Rochester journalist and the founder of Med City Beat.
