As we navigate the second year of the novel corona virus pandemic, decisions are made to hold (and/or attend) public events.
Gatherings with more than those few in your “bubble” require continued, flexible thinking, to be safe.
Therein lies the creative opportunity to build or modify a safe public event.
What I admire are clever modifications that have been made and which might become regular features.
Start with two Morrison, IL, examples: the Chamber of Commerce and Churches.
Morrison Chamber of Commerce adapted the traditional 2020 Halloween Costume Contest parade and children’s activities. In October, families walked Main Street on their own during “Halloween week.” They searched business windows for pictures to answer rhyming Scavenger Hunt clues. Homes and businesses entered a Door Decorating contest; these were evaluated by three, separated, drive-by judges. Winner signs were placed at the door location or yard. People of all ages were encouraged to send a photo of themselves in costume, following the traditional Contest categories and age groups. Winners were selected and compiled into a PowerPoint video, including the door winners. The video was part of a distanced, three-night, Halloween Haunted Park trick-or-treat zone. Cottonwood 4-H Club members (Quinn, Madison, Kyle, and Anna) set-up and tore down displays; handed out goodies; turned on the animated Halloween figures. The video appeared on the Chamber website for all to see. Those activities nurtured the Halloween spirit while practicing social distancing. They added new ways to participate safely. Additionally, they easily could be implemented in future Chamber Halloweens.
Local Churches discovered virtual recordings or live-streaming services, to keep congregants/parishoners and clergy connected, ironically, at a distance. Likely, people learned to use technology they had not tried before. Learning new skills brings personal confidence. Most churches have opened their doors again, with adaptations. Remote worship might continue during dangerous weather or frigid winters. It is certainly a way to reach home-bound members.
The Early American Crafters celebrated “May Day at Heritage Canyon,” 515 N. 4th Street, Fulton, IL, on Saturday, May 1, 2021. Fulton City-wide Dutch Days was not held. May Day lent itself perfectly to adaptions of the typical May Dutch Days event, in the wide-open canyon. Nearly 500 persons attended from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Visitors were asked not to enter the 11 buildings, due to COVID-19 precautions with large groups. They are too small for persons to social distance, and there is no way to sanitize these buildings after visitors leave.
The Crafters saw that keeping people outdoors was an opportunity for new activities, rather than a nuisance. The weather cooperated.
Cotton Candy, ice cream, and popcorn were purchased, from outside two of the buildings; they were consumed outside. Those who listened to Guitarist Jim Perron and The Elf Returns Band, at the gazebo, brought lawn chairs and spread apart from others. Children planted sunflower seeds in a paper cup May basket. A May Pole allowed adults and children to dance. Kids ran through and popped a plethora of iridescent soap bubbles, made by Steve Behren, center, from Mt. Carroll, IL, and helper Kevin Gravert of Morrison, IL, at right.
Naturally, the P & C Little Rascals Petting Zoo, LLC, was outdoors. Owners Paula Adams and Chris McCauley brought miniature cows and piglets; rabbits; goats and sheep; alpacas and llamas; chickens, ducks, geese, and turkeys; dogs. Petters were distanced. Hand sanitizer was available.
The Editor portrays a teacher in the diminutive, one-room school house. In 2019, it was packed with guests who sat in 16 wooden desks, wrote on slates, did lessons, and played with games. This year, she stood at the doorway and demonstrated a large collection of handcrafted, wooden toys and cloth dolls. Children operated a few of them; this “Toy Talk” was popular with adults, too. It was a perfect substitute activity and will become part of the regular school day, when visitors are allowed to attend Heritage Canyon School again.
