Staff Report

ROCKFORD – Alpine Kiwanis Brat Days, scheduled for July 17-18 at multiple locations, has been canceled because of the COVID-19 outbreak.

“This was not an easy decision to make this early but necessary due to the unforeseen CV-19 and effects it may have to continue planning for this large of an event – difficult particularly to ask businesses and companies that may be going through difficult times right now, to sponsor the event and to ask for volunteers, food vendors and entertainers commitments,” Alpine Kiwanis spokesperson Karen Tilly said in an email. “And, of course thinking as well for the overall safety, health and well-being of the general public that attend.

There is no word on plans for the 2021 event.

Meanwhile, Gov.  J.B. Pritzker has urged organizers to cancel large summer events like concerts and festivals,  saying he doesn’t believe people should gather in large crowds until there is a COVID-19 vaccine, which could take a year or longer.

“I just don’t see in my perspective today how we are going to have large gatherings of people again until we have a vaccine, which is months and months away,” the governor said Thursday. “I would not risk having large groups of people getting together anywhere.”

This story has been updated.