contributed photo The festivities of the 2019 Harvest Market.

The COVID-19 pandemic continues to impact local events.

The 13th Street District organization decided to cancel previous scheduled events, such as the Harvest Market, to help prevent the spread of the COVID-19.

The Harvest Market is an annual event used to celebrate the fall season. The event brings vendors, food trucks and an estimated 800 visitors.

There have been conversations with local partners and organizations regarding what community events would look like with the “new normal,” according to a news release. After many conversations since the beginning of this pandemic, the decision was made to not host any events in the 13th Street District which includes the Harvest Market in September.

The organization plans to continue events in 2021.

“We are sad to not be with our community who enjoys our events this year,” according to the news release. “We will take this time to identify new creative and unique events for 2021.”

The cancellation joins a slew of other events moved to 2021 including the Central State Fair, State Center Rose Festival and the Iowa State Fair.

With the current situation of COVID-19, board members do not feel it would not be responsible to move forward with planning an event and put the safety of our community at risk.

“Thank you for your support for the 13th Street District,” the news release stated.