Cities of Urbana and Champaign Extend Suspension of Special Event Permits

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

May 20, 2020

Contacts:
Mayor Diane Wolfe Marlin, dwmarlin@urbanaillinois.us, 217-384-2456
Mayor Deborah Frank Feinen, deb.feinen@champaignil.gov, 217-403-8720 

The Cities of Urbana and Champaign Extend Suspension of Special Event Permits

Today Urbana Mayor Diane Wolfe Marlin and Champaign Mayor Deborah Frank Feinen each signed Emergency Orders which continue to suspend the issuance of special event permits in each city through September 7, 2020. Special event permits are generally required for parades, residential block events, and other types of activities that involve large gatherings of people on public property, including streets, sidewalks, parkways, or municipally-owned parking lots. This was necessitated by the Governor’s continuing restrictions on large gatherings due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

If the Governor suspends or terminates his restrictions related to social distancing, size of gatherings, or other requirements affecting special events prior to September 7, 2020, the issuance of special event permits will be considered on a case-by-case basis by the appropriate city’s administration and in consultation with public health authorities.

“Unfortunately, due to concerns about COVID-19, most of our great summertime events, including the Champaign County Freedom Celebration and Streetfests, have already been canceled by the organizers,” said Champaign Mayor Deborah Frank Feinen. “I know the loss of these great events has disappointed a lot of people, myself included, but given the ongoing restrictions on large gatherings put in place by the Governor’s orders, this was a necessary action.”

Urbana Mayor Diane Wolfe Marlin added, “It’s very upsetting to announce this, but parades, festivals, and street parties while we are still battling the COVID-19 pandemic can’t be held safely. Events like the Illinois Marathon, the Labor Day parade, and our beloved Sweetcorn Festival draw thousands of people to our communities. We’ll have to celebrate in small groups this summer as we move with the State of Illinois through its phased re-opening.”

Urbana’s Emergency Order 20-03 is available at urbanaillinois.us/COVID-19 and Champaign’s Emergency Order 20-17 can be reviewed online at champaignil.gov/covid-19.