Ottawa has cancelled its summer events. City Commissioner Wayne Eichelkraut says it’s too risky to start putting a lot of money into big events that may not be allowed because of the pandemic. And down payments and outright payments would start coming due in the next few weeks for Riverfest, the 2 Rivers Wine and Jazz Festival, and Music in the Park.
Promotions company Lou Dog Events could reschedule the 2 Rivers Wine and Jazz Festival for October or November. That’s up to the company though. Eichelkraut says it’s also possible some smaller no-cost Riverfest components could still happen, if restrictions are eased in time. Art in the Park, for example, doesn’t cost the city money. But at this point, he’s not counting on it.
Then mayor Bob Eschbach (center) prepares to lead the 2018 Riverfest parade with the since deceased Moe the mule.