8.2. SR 06-15-2020
Request for Action
To Item Number
Mayor and City Council 8.2
Agenda Section Meeting Date Prepared by
General Business June 15, 2020 Steve Benoit, Recreation Manager
Item Description Reviewed by
Elk RiverFest 2020 Cancellation Michael Hecker, Parks and Recreation Director
Reviewed by
Cal Portner, City Administrator
Action Requested
Approve, by motion, cancellation of Elk RiverFest 2020.
Background/Discussion
At the May 18City Council work session, the Council discussed possible modifications to Elk RiverFest
due to impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. At the time, the consensus was to move the event to Labor
Day weekend but keep the fireworks show on July 4 as planned.
Due to the complexity and lead-time needed to successfully plan an event on the scale of Elk RiverFest, it
is prudent to decide on this year’s event. Staff is recommending the cancellation of this year’s Elk
RiverFest for the following reasons:
The current Emergency Executive State order 20-74 states “In outdoor settings, gatherings must
not exceed 250 individuals.” The Riverfront Concerts Series brought 5,000 visitors in 2018 and
7,000 and 2019.
The downtown layout where Elk RiverFest is held would make social distancing challenging.
Delaying the decision could jeopardize deposits.
Many cities have made the difficult decision to cancel their community festivals.
The 2020 Minnesota State Fair has cancelled.
Number of craft, food, and Sips on Main vendors will be limited thus decreasing revenues.
Staffing and event of this scale on Labor Day weekend will prove to be challenging.
Concerns with image of holding large scale gathering event during pandemic.
Financial Impact
Variable by the direction chosen
Attachments
N/A
The Elk River Vision
A welcoming community with revolutionary and spirited resourcefulness, exceptional
service, and community engagement that encourages and inspires prosperity