Adopt Resolution #20-149 Formally Canceling the 2020 Happy Days Festival

In order to abide by Minnesota Governor Walz' current Executive Order to limit outdoor recreational and entertainment events to 250 people or less, while still providing safe, recreational opportunities for Ramsey residents in the midst of a global pandemic, City staff is recommending formally canceling the 2020 Happy Days Festival as it has been traditionally planned. Staff, in turn, will plan a series of smaller, socially-distant events that will not draw crowds greater than 250 and that can be safely completed through mask-wearing, 6 ft. social distancing and other recommendations provided by the State of Minnesota and the Department of Health.  Staff recommends renaming the scaled back event Happy Daze. 

It should also be noted that this resolution is needed to protect the City's current contract obligations and allow staff to enter into negotiations with those vendors to reschedule and/or reformat such events like the 5K and Main Stage Entertainment.

Parks & Recreation Fund
Happy Days Fund

It is staff's recommendation to formally cancel the 2020 Happy Days Festival and continue preparations for a series of smaller, socially-distant activities referred to as Happy Daze.  In addition, staff recommends entering into negotiations with Hello! Booking Inc. to reschedule the Happy Days Main Stage Entertainment performance by G.B. Leighton.

Motion to adopt resolution #20-149 to do the following: 

1) Authorize Staff to formally cancel the Happy Days Festival and continue preparations for a series of smaller, socially-distant activities referred to as Happy Daze; and

2) Authorize Staff to enter into negotiations with Hello! Booking Inc. to reschedule the Happy Days Main Stage Entertainment performance by G.B. Leighton.