Postponed or canceled? Central Valley, Mother Lode events halted by coronavirus
.JPG "Street celebrations have been postponed or canceled for April and May in the Modesto and Mother Lode regions.")
If this were a normal spring, April and May would bring some of the bigger festivals and events of the year, with people gathering across communities to celebrate.
But, of course, nothing is normal as we remain in our homes due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Hence, the organizers of major events in the Modesto and Mother Lode regions have had decisions to make. Some have canceled their celebrations completely, others have rescheduled with hopes they can be held later in the year.
Even beyond May, the North Modesto Kiwanis Club already made the decision to cancel its June American Graffiti Festival & Car Show for the year.
Here’s a look at decisions to cancel or postpone some of the larger events usually held in April and May:
Postponed celebrations
ARTIST OPEN STUDIO TOUR: The April weekend of local artists opening their studio doors to the public will be held Oct. 10-11, according to its website.
ART OF DESIGN HOME TOUR: The planned May fundraiser for the Carnegie Arts Center in Turlock will be rescheduled. The new date has yet to be determined, according to an email from the arts center.
CAFE SHALOM: The celebration of Jewish food and culture at Congregation Beth Shalom has been postponed, with a new date to be announced, according to an email. www.cbsmodesto.org.
LOVE MODESTO: The April community service day when hundreds of volunteers take on projects such as cleaning parks and visiting those in rest homes has been postponed to Oct. 3, according to an email.
MODESTO TACO FEST: The May street and gourmet taco celebration has been postponed, pending when government regulations again allow for large gatherings, according to event promoter Chris Ricci.
MOTHER LODE ROUNDUP: The website for this parade and rodeo sponsored by the Tuolumne County Sheriff’s Posse says it’s been postponed, but no new date is indicated. www.motherloderoundup.com.
MOTOWN FRY FEST: The Omega Nu festival has a “hold the date” message on its website for Oct. 3. www.motownfryfest.com.
OAKDALE CHOCOLATE FESTIVAL: The celebration of chocolate is set to be held Sept. 12-13, according to an email from the Oakdale Chamber of Commerce. www.oakdalechamber.com.
Canceled celebrations
CALAVERAS COUNTY FAIR AND JUMPING FROG JUBILEE: The May jumping frog competition and county fair is canceled for 2020, according to an email from the fair board. Instead, there is a Hometown Hoedown set for Oct. 2-4. www.frogtown.org.
CERES STREET FAIRE: The festival with entertainment, exhibits and more has been canceled for May, according to a voicemail message at the Ceres Chamber of Commerce.
CINCO DE MAYO PARADE: The South Modesto Businesses United May parade on Crows Landing Road has been canceled, according to a voicemail.
EARTH DAY IN THE PARK: The annual day in April of “green” education, entertainment and activities has been canceled for this year, according to its website, www.modestogov.com/415/Earth-Day.
FAMILY CYCLING FESTIVAL: The downtown Modesto cycling event normally held in May has been canceled along with the annual Bike to Work Day, according to Rideshare coordinator, Megan Distaso.
GOLD COUNTRY PEDDLER’S FAIRE: This year’s event featuring antiques, collectibles, crafts and more has been canceled, according to Heather Voortman, president of the Knight’s Ferry History Museum and Associates, which puts on the event.
MODESTO PORCHFEST: The porch parties with homeowners hosting local bands in their front yards has been canceled, according to co-organizer Kate Trompetter. Instead, there will be a Couchfest held May 2-3, a weekend of live-streamed music.
This story was originally published April 19, 2020 at 12:59 PM.
