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Cornelius News

Symphony in the Park won’t be held June 20

TOWN COMMISSIONER JIM DUKE SALUTES DURING THE ARMY SONG IN 2017

May 13. By Dave Yochum. A fine Cornelius tradition will miss a beat this year, due to the ​impact of COVID-19 on public gatherings. More than 8,000 people were expected to attend the free event which includes music, food trucks, booths and fireworks every year.

​The date was June 20 on the field in front of ​the Bailey Road Park Bandshell.

The Charlotte Symphony has suspend​ed​ all concerts through June due to concerns about the spread of COVID-19.

The orchestra has canceled or postponed multiple performances through the end of June.

There are no plans to reschedule the concert—a difficult undertaking because the symphony’s schedule is set so far in advance.

However, the Town of Cornelius will hold a virtual Memorial Day observation May 25.

Limits on community gatherings

Gov. Roy Cooper issued a statewide stay-at-home order in March brought virtually all gatherings to a halt—not unlike the rest of the country and the world.

Harrisburg NC just cancelled its two-day Independence Day celebration.

Phase 1 reopening says most gatherings of more than 10 people are still prohibited.

Some things you can do

Places of worship may hold services that exceed the Mass Gathering Limit of people if those services are held outdoors in an unenclosed space and if attendees follow social distancing guidelines.

Events such as drive-in worship services or drive-in movies are allowed if all participants stay inside their vehicles.

Phase I reopening only allows the opening of certain retail businesses at a capacity of 50 percent.

Two Phases remain in order to reach the potential of allowing “larger gatherings,” but the size has yet to be disclosed.

‘No feasible way’

Even under the “most optimistic circumstances of Governor Cooper’s Executive Orders,” Harrisburg officials said there is no feasible way to host a July 4th celebration while remaining compliant with the governor’s orders.

PHOTO OF JIM DUKE BY DAVE YOCHUM