BUG DAYS CALLED OFF
"After much deliberation, we are sad to announce that the Boxelder Bug Days Committee has decided to cancel this year’s celebration," came the news late Monday night from Bug Days Chairman Scott Josephson.
After hearing word that school will start on time this fall in Minneota and after Tracy announced it had canceled its annual town celebration (Box Car Days) on Monday, the Boxelder Bug Days committee called a meeting Monday night and decided the fate of the popular Minneota event held annually the weekend after Labor Day.
"With the possibility of the school year being impacted and our community’s health at the forefront of our decision, we feel that this is the most responsible choice," said Josephson.
The number of COVID-19 cases in Lyon County was determined to be low enough to allow schools to open while maintaining social distancing and certain guidelines if that school district chose to. But an event such as Boxelder Bug Days in which attendance will be high would be difficult to maintain social distancing or requiring masks be worn.
"We just didn't feel it was worth the risk (to hold Bug Days this year)," said Josephson. "If we caused a spike in the number of cases, it would affect school here and also the other schools in the county -- Tracy, Marshall and Cottonwood."
Boxelder Bug Days will still hold its coronation and the 5k Run from the Bug event virtually this year over the regularly scheduled Bug Days weekend. Additional information on these events will be forthcoming.
Commemorative Boxelder Bug Days apparel will still be available for purchase. Watch the Boxelder Bug Days Facebook page and the Minneota Mascot for further details.
Initially, the Boxelder Bug Days committee was attempting to hold a scaled-down version of the event, eliminating things such as cook-offs, bouncy houses and other events which would be at risk to spread the virus.
"This was not an easy decision for us to make, as we all love Boxelder Bug Days," said Josephson. "We hope that you remain healthy and we look forward to seeing you for Boxelder Bug Days 2021."