Meeker Days Arts & Music Festival canceled due to COVID-19 concerns
Puyallup’s Meeker Days, a three-day street festival, has been canceled, the Puyallup Main Street Association announced Monday.
Executive Director Kerry Yanasak said it was the only choice once the Washington State Fair announced its cancellation.
With positive COVID-19 cases on the rise, the nonprofit said in a statement that a large-scale event was not in anyone’s best interest.
“I don’t think there will be an event in Pierce County,” Yanasak said. “I don’t want to hold an event that I would not feel comfortable going to or bringing my grandchildren to.”
Historically, a 15-block radius of Downtown Puyallup is shut down for three days on Father’s Day weekend.
The event started in 1939 to commemorate the city’s founder, Ezra Meeker. It has since become a summer celebration that includes live music, bouncy houses, face painting, vendors and a beer garden.
Jill Starks, the event coordinator, said the 81-year-old festival brings about 100,000 visitors downtown. Meeker Days helps downtown businesses, local vendors and micro businesses.
While calling vendors to let them know of the cancellation, Starks said many told her they likely will not be around next year.
“The impact is huge on an economic level for many,” she said.
This story was originally published July 13, 2020 at 2:41 PM.
