Smoky Hill River Festival Continues With Adjustments

KDHE recently announced new guidance on gatherings of 500 people or more.

This led City Manager Mike Schrage to ask City Commissioners if they wanted to think about possibly canceling the 2021 Smoky Hill River Festival at the Commission meeting last Monday.

It was the last item on what turned out to be a 5 hour City Commission meeting.

Brad Anderson, Director of Arts and Humanities, took the podium in an effort to to put the commissioners minds at ease.

"We aren't just planning a party as usual," Anderson said. "We've been adapting for every week since we announced the change in date."

This includes not having hands on art making for children under a single tent. Instead, the same activities will be put in a bag and offered to go.

Be that as it may, Friday's KDHE announcement was troubling to Anderson.

"I will tell you that we'll certainly abide and do the best we can under the circumstances with whatever direction you provide," Anderson spoke.

"Ultimately," Anderson went on, "the choice to attend and participate in the River Festival rests with each individual."

The Festival is bigger than COVID-19. The community is ready. After one year of not having Salina's biggest outdoor party of the year, individuals and businesses are anxious to enjoy funnel cake, music, and being outdoors.

Tables for dining will not be in the same place this year, but instead will be spread out through the park in shaded areas.

The bleachers in front of Eric Stein Stage will be removed, as well. This will accommodate for more lawn chairs and social distancing.

Signage containing the latest KDHE guidance will be in high traffic areas.

The face painting booth, popular with children, will turn into a booth to airbrush tattoos on arms, this year.

Mayor Hodges and City Commissioners ultimately gave Brad Anderson and his people the green light to move on with the River Festival.

It was a great ending to an incredibly long meeting.