DVA cancels its summer events

The Downtown Vernon Association (DVA) has made the difficult decision to cancel its major events this summer due to COVID-related issues.

That includes the Sunshine Festival on June 20, the Civic Sounds concerts in July and August and Try It @ Justice in June and July.

The business group said in an email to members, the decision came after serious consideration of the current requirements, recommendations and projected changes in the event community.

“The safety of Downtown Vernon’s residents, workers and visitors is of the utmost importance to the Downtown Vernon Association. While there appears to be some light at the end of the physical distancing tunnel, it is important that we continue to hold the line and take the appropriate steps to limit the spread of COVID-19 and ensure our entire community remains healthy,” said Heather Sharpe, events and promotions coordinator with the DVA.

Sharpe says anyone who paid for vendor registration for the events will get a full refund the same way as the original payment, which she says will take some time.

“We truly hope that we will be able to gather the community together in the heart of Vernon again soon and be assured that we are putting together new plans to help support our local Downtown Vernon businesses in recovering. Stay tuned to our website and social media accounts for more information as it comes available,” Sharpe added.

Sharpe encourages the public to remember the many small businesses in the downtown and to continue supporting them, even if you cannot visit
them physically.

“It has been difficult for many businesses as they have been required to cut capacity or close entirely by this crisis and many small, independent businesses are doing their best to adapt and respond quickly.”

The Downtown Vernon Association is a Business Improvement Area representing over 620 businesses and organizations in Vernon’s downtown core.