(Le Mars) — The Le Mars Area Chamber of Commerce and the City of Le Mars on Thursday afternoon, decided to cancel this year’s Ice Cream Days festival due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The annual event was to be held June 17th-20th, 2020.
Le Mars Chamber of Commerce Executive Director, Neal Adler says it was a difficult decision, but perhaps not a surprising decision given the circumstances involving the COVID-19 virus.
“We feel this decision needed to be made with the best interest of the community, business partners, sponsors, venders, and all participants in mind,” said Adler.
Adler says the focus right now is to assist the small businesses and our community.
Adler says, “It has become clear that it would be nearly impossible to enforce and maintain such separation at large group gatherings.”
Adler doesn’t have a specific estimate of number of visitors the annual celebration attracts, only to say it runs in the thousands.
Le Mars City Administrator Jason Vacura echoed Adler’s comments.
“The Le Mars Area Chamber of Commerce and the City of Le Mars have been monitoring the continuing spread of COVID-19 and reviewing best case scenario projections. Our first priority is the safety and security of our citizens, our community and potential guests,” Vacura said. “The chamber, the city and the Ice Cream Days Committee look forward to June of 2021 and celebrating together again at Ice Cream Days.”
