PRESS RELEASE

PERMITTING FOR PUBLIC FESTIVALS AND LARGE EVENTS IN CITY OF SYRACUSE

SUSPENDED THROUGH THE SUMMER AND FALL OF 2020

Syracuse, N.Y. — The City of Syracuse today announced that it has suspended permitting for large-scale gatherings and events through the summer and fall of 2020 due to COVID-19 and its impact on city operations. Parks, Recreation and Youth Programs staff notified organizers of festivals, parades, walks, and runs conducted annually in the City during the past week.

“The pandemic has placed the City in a tough situation financially. These events and programs are labor intensive for city workers, so we need to consider the reduced size of our staff which helps to coordinate many of these events and the fact that COVID-19 is still present in our communities. Making the decision to suspend permitting for these events is difficult, but it is the right thing to do,” said Syracuse Mayor Ben Walsh. “We look forward to next year with hope that the many programs that contribute to the fabric of Syracuse can return.”

The following events are impacted:

·         Northeast Jazz and Wine Festival – July 24 and 25

·         Arts & Crafts Festival – July 24, 25 and 26

·         Latino Festival – August 8

·         Bacon Festival – August 14 and 15

·         Valley Nature Run – August 22

·         Citrus in the City – August 29

·         Irish Festival – September 11 and 12

·         Northside Festival – September 13

·         Italian Festival – September 18, 19, and 20

·         CFA Cat Show – September 18, 19, and 20

·         Light the Night Walk – September 24

·         Strathmore Parks Run – September 20

·         Westcott Festival – September 27

·         Inner Harbor 5K – October 4

·         Eastwood Run – October 18

·         Syracuse Half Marathon – November 10

In accordance with COVID-19 public gatherings guidance from New York State, permits for gatherings of 50 people or less on city property are still being accepted and reviewed. Organizations and groups with small-mid-sized scheduled public events should contact Special Events Coordinator, Britney Farmer by email at bfarmer@syrgov.net.