124th Old Settlers celebration canceled

Like many summer celebrations, the 2020 Monroe Old Settlers has been canceled due to COVID-19 concerns. The annual event, which would be celebrating its 124th year, was scheduled for Aug. 7 to 8.

"As a committee, we have decided that we will be canceling this year’s event in light of the ever-changing circumstances," organizers said in a statement of Facebook. "We did not enter into this decision lightly and know that there will be many disappointed as Old Settlers has always been a well-attended event that people look forward to."

The committee listed several factors that went into the decision to cancel the event. They included the carnival vendor informed them the amount of attractions that could be provided would be severely limited due to cleaning and sanitation needs, booking entertainment acts during the pandemic has been difficult with bands uncertain if they can commit and adding handwashing and sanitation stations along with implementing social distancing in the small, downtown area would be difficult with the crowds typically associated with the weekend.

"In light of these and other uncertain factors, we are not confident we can put on an event anywhere near what Old Settlers typically is," organizers said. "As always, we want to thank the community for their ongoing support and we are going to start work planning Old Settlers 2021, set for Aug. 6 and 7 next year."

Along with Old Settlers, the Monroe Annual Micro Marathon, or MAMM, also has been canceled. The event would have celebrated its 35th race this year.

"We are officially canceling this year's race, to be consistent with the cancellation of Monroe's Old Settler's Celebration," organizers said. "We look forward to next year, Aug. 7, 2021 for the 35th running of the MAMM race."

Contact Jamee A. Pierson at 641-792-3121 ext. 6534 or jpierson@newtondailynews.com