If you are hoping to enjoy the return of festivals like Taste of Fort Collins and the Greeley Stampede this summer, you may be in luck.

The latest draft plan for COVID restriction revisions, issued on March 19, includes the proposal of eliminating state variances for outdoor events. Studies show that outdoor environments are much safer than indoor settings regarding COVID transmissions.

The move would also allow "industries like outdoor concert venues, amusement parks, county fair and rodeos" to begin planning summer schedules. The plan currently calls for continued indoor event limits until at least mid May.

While there would most certainly be some adaptations to holding the events in-person, it is an encouraging sign for storied Northern Colorado events looking to resume in 2021.

Townsquare Media Northern Colorado market president Evan Harrison said "We are actively finalizing plans to host Taste of Fort Collins in-person on July 24 and 25." The annual food and music celebration has been traditionally held in June, but the 2021 delay to July would allow more time for the public to be vaccinated.

Greeley Stampede organizers have also told Townsquare Media that they plan to host the event in some capacity in 2021. Currently, the event (although this is subject to change) is scheduled from June 25-July 4.

While state restrictions could be lifted soon, both Taste of Fort Collins and Greeley Stampede would need county approval to hold their events in 2021.

The Greeley Stampede is a safe bet and expected to few issues, as Weld County has shown little interest in enforcing state COVID orders that do exist.

Larimer County, meanwhile, has its own mask order in place on top of the state's guidance.

When asked about the possibility of summer events in an email, the Larimer County Department of Health & Environment spokesperson Kori Wilford said:

"Currently, there are no additional requirements in place for outdoor events...We do not yet have guidance for summer events locally. We anticipate having more information in the next couple of weeks."

 

The next few weeks are likely to be critical if summer events will get the nod to resume in 2021. After storied events went virtual or postponed last year, it will only be sweeter to enjoy them in-person again one day.

The NoCo Virus Tracker articles are made possible by our partners, the Keep NoCo Open campaign that reminds citizens to wear a mask, wash your hands, physically distance and support local as Northern Colorado recovers from the COVID-19 pandemic.

PHOTO GALLERY: Taste of Fort Collins 2019

 

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