Chamber Board Considers New Events to Replace Those Canceled by Virus

Chamber Board Considers New Events to Replace Those Canceled by Virus

NEWS RELEASE (WASHINGTON, IA) —April 30, 2020

The statewide Covid 19 governmental regulations regarding social gathering limitations and advice from local and state public health officials have caused the Washington Chamber of Commerce to cancel some planned summer events while tentatively planning or rescheduling others.

The Chamber Board of Directors decided to cancel its Summer Classic scheduled for June 4-6 at a meeting held April 30. The Latino Festival scheduled for June 7 had previously been cancelled by event planners Latinos for Washington.

The board is looking for ways to provide events for the community that are permissible within the state’s Covid 19 guidelines and that would provide for the safety of the public to enjoy. Some events, like Ridiculous Day, will be held as planned on June 6 but modified. There will be no parade and sales will be held virtually. The annual golf tournament may still be held when scheduled with a grab-and-go meal or may be rescheduled later in the year. The annual Craft Fair is still tentatively scheduled for September 12 and the board has begun to discuss a variety of new events that could take place in late summer or the fall.

The board will meet again in mid-May to continue discussions on these proposals as well as Thursday Night Live activities in Central Park.

During the board meeting it was noted that Governor Reynolds has declared that all non-essential retail establishments in Washington County may reopen by appointment for groups of 10 or less May 1. Nonessential businesses include bookstores, clothing stores, shoe stores, jewelry stores, luggage stores, cosmetic, beauty, or perfume stores, florists and furniture stores.

About the Washington Chamber of Commerce

The Chamber is an advocate for business, promotes business alliances, provides valuable benefits and services to our members, and is a leader for economic development efforts in Washington, Iowa.

Since 1935, the Chamber has been a leader in pursuing economic prosperity and quality of life in our community. Serving a diverse group of participants, our members include individuals, organizations and businesses, and they are the heart of this community. Visit www.washingtoniowa.gov/economic-partners/chamber-of-commerce