North Mankato Fun Days cancelled for second year

North Mankato Fun Days are cancelled for the second year in a row, due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

City leaders cited the ongoing concerns about public health and the safety of the participants as a factor in the decision.

“With the ongoing uncertainty of the pandemic, and in an abundance of caution, we feel this difficult decision is in the best interest of our community,” said Denny Kemp, Fun Days Co-Coordinator.

Kemp said there’s no way to completely eliminate the risk of virus transmission to participants, guests, and volunteers, despite the increasing number of vaccines being administered in the state.

“We have worked for months to develop a scenario that would allow us to preserve the scope, spectacle, and community spirit of Fun Days in 2021,” says Kemp.  “Unfortunately, this year we simply cannot replicate Fun Days without significantly taking away from the traditional experience.”

Residents are still encouraged to participate in one activity associated with Fun Days in the spirit of the event.

Organizers are encouraging residents to donate to the Echo Food Shelf by sending a check or by dropping off donations.

“The pandemic may curb our plans, but it won’t dampen this community’s spirit of hope and generosity,” said Kemp.