Could summertime events in Decorah be affected by the coronavirus?

All community events in Decorah in April have been postponed or cancelled because of the coronavirus outbreak.  But most of Decorah's large community events are in the summertime.  Now the groups in charge of those events are beginning to make decisions or have discussions about the lingering effects of the coronavirus.

The group which stages the Decorah Pride celebration has postponed this year's event from June 9th until September 19th.  Said co-chair Ellis Arnold, "Though we are disappointed that Decorah Pride needs to wait until the fall, we look forward to a time when we can gather again and when Luther students will be back in town.  We look forward to the grand sight of Pride flags flying down Water Street, people parading side by side in solidarity with LGBTQ+ folks, and allies cheering side by side with encouragement."

Meanwhile, the Nordic Fest Board met Monday night to discuss this year's July 23rd through July 25th event.  Fest Board Past President Greg Eide tells decorahnews.com the board decided to wait until June 1st to make a final decision.  "We don't have to make a decision now," says Eide.  However, he says board members understand that even if the event is held as scheduled, it will probably be a smaller event this year because of the effects of the coronavirus outbreak.

Members of the Winneshiek County Agricultural Association, which runs the Winneshiek County Fair, also met Monday night to discuss this year's Fair in July, but could not be reached immediately for comment.