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Coronavirus in Iowa, live updates for May 22: Iowa City cancels fireworks, closes pools indefinitely
K.J. Pilcher
May. 22, 2020 10:43 am, Updated: Jun. 2, 2020 10:27 am
4:20 P.M.: RESTRICTED OPENING FOR UPTOWN MARION MARKET
Uptown Marion Market will open with restrictions June 13 from 8-11 a.m. The Marion Chambers announced the events will follow health guidelines for farmers markets, moving to a linear format along Sixth Ave., 10th Street and 11th Street. Twelve vendors will be featured.
'This is changing the way we operate Uptown Marion Market,' Director of Member Services for Marion Chamber of Commerce Tami Schlamp said. 'As we continue to adapt, our priority will remain on the safety of vendors, volunteers, sponsors, and attendees while offering the public access to local products.'
Uptown Marion Market also will be held July 11 and Aug. 8 at the same time. Farm products and food only will be for sale.
Attendees are requested to use designated entrances and exits, including entries at the intersection of Sixth Ave. and 11th Street. They are asked to follow instructions for hand-washing and traffic flow. Children are not permitted to attend. Masks and protective face coverings will be available and are not mandatory, but vendors will wear masks.
Shoppers are asked to expedite their trip and unpack purchases at home. Vendors will minimize contact, ask for products and will assemble you order. No on-site special programming, music performances, commons seating or eating is allowed.
Organizers ask shoppers to be patient as everyone adapts to changing protocols. Follow the Marion Chamber of Commerce on Facebook for updates. Vendor information can also be found at the Marion Chamber's website.
'We know Uptown Marion Market has been an event enjoyed by families and this looks a lot different from what attendees used to,' Schlamp said. 'We are happy to provide access to local good and products, and we look forward to when we can welcome everyone back to enjoy Marion together. We will continue to evaluate options and make the best decisions as the market season continues.'
1:40 P.M.: MISSION CREEK FESTIVAL CANCELED
The special fall edition of Mission Creek Festival 2020 set for Sept. 17-19 has been canceled, according to Friday's news release from the group. Organizers said rapid changes of the current Covid-19 pandemic, the inability to ensure health of fans by the fall and uncertainty of fall scheduled for musicians and writers factored in the decision.
The full festival is expected to return in 2021 but the dates are yet to be determined.
Plans exist for a short film called, 'Ghost Creek.' The production will be released on digital platforms in the fall and includes 'narrative and documentary elements' and guest performances.
People with passes or individual show tickets can visit the cancellation tool. If passes and individual show tickets have already been converted to a refund, gift certificate or donation, further action is unnecessary.
9:19 A.M.: IOWA CITY CANCELS FOURTH OF JULY FIREWORKS
The City of Iowa City announced Friday that it has canceled the Fourth of July fireworks display due to the continued Covid-19 pandemic.
The decisions was made in conjunction with the Summer of Arts, which held its Iowa City Jazz Festival at the same time as the fireworks. Summer of Arts activities still being held include virtual programming for the Iowa Arts Festival on June 5-7 and Jazz Festival July 3-5, drive-in movies at the Iowa City Municipal Airport during July and live virtual concerts for the Friday Night Concert Series.
For more information, visit the Summer of the Arts website.
9:35 A.M.: IOWA CITY POOLS CLOSED INDEFINITELY
Iowa City public pools will remain closed indefinitely during the normal summer season, according to a news release Friday. Gradual reopenings are planned for limited lap swimming at Mercer Aquatics Center and Robert A. Lee Recreation Center. Social distancing and increased hygiene practices are expected to be observed for the phased-in reopenings, which have yet to be scheduled.
Mercer is expected to reopen first, with Robert A. Lee reopening later in the summer.
For more information, visit the City of Iowa City website for coronavirus updates and resources.
Comments: (319) 368-8679; kj.pilcher@thegazette.com