The summer calendar looks sparser after Wednesday morning’s announcement of several canceled events by the Algoma Chamber of Commerce. In a press release, the organization said its Board of Directors has called off the Shanty Days celebration, one of the most significant events of the summer. Another seasonal staple, the garage sale traditionally held in mid-July, will not be happening this year. The Thursday night Concerts in the Park Series will see all planned dates canceled. The Chamber cited many factors in the decision, including public health concerns. Uncertainty is also a problem as vendor contracts for the events need to be finalized soon, and member businesses lack the ability to support the activities this year.
Vendors and organizations that have already made registration fee payments will be refunded, or they can apply the fees to next year’s events. The full press release is below:
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ALGOMA AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE ANNOUNCES SUMMER CANCELLATIONS
Algoma WI— May 13, 2020 — It is with great disappointment that the Algoma Area Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors announces that some summer festivities will be canceled due to the uncertainties of COVID-19, as well as pending contractual obligations.
Therefore, the Algoma City Wide Garage Sale, the Thursday night Concerts in the Park Series and the Shanty Days Celebration will unfortunately not be held in 2020.
These difficult decisions came only after careful consideration between the Chamber Board and Event Committee members. Vendors having submitted registration fees will be contacted and offered the opportunity to apply it to 2021 events or be refunded.
We understand fully that this is a huge disappointment to our community, businesses, non-profits and residents that benefit from these events. But in this time of uncertainty we must responsibly follow the guidelines that have been set forth of social distancing and limited attendance. In addition, these events are funded through generous sponsorships from our business community. Due to the economic impact many have felt, we did not feel it was appropriate to make funding requests at this time.
The Algoma Area Chamber of Commerce and Event Committee members are eagerly looking forward to seeing our community celebrate bigger and better in 2021.
