The Hometown Holidays Music Fest and Rockville’s Memorial Day Ceremony and Parade have been canceled due to the ongoing COVID-19 emergency.
Rockville’s Mayor and Council made the difficult decision Monday after considering public health guidance and uncertainty over how long state orders to close non-essential businesses will remain in place.
“This is not a decision we made lightly as we know how much our community cherishes our HTH traditions,” Mayor Bridget Donnell Newton said. “Public safety is our paramount concern. We thank all who are working to keep the food supply intact, our health care and public safety professionals, and ask everyone to heed the calls for social distancing as we work together to end this pandemic.”
The city is exploring event options for later in the year.
The two-day musical festival, which was scheduled for Saturday, May 23 and Sunday, May 24 of Memorial Day weekend, draws 60,000 people to Rockville Town Center each year for free live performances by local, regional and national acts, and the Taste of Rockville, highlighting local restaurants.
The Memorial Day Ceremony and Parade, which was scheduled for Monday, May 25, has been held for 75 years and is Rockville’s longest-running community tradition.
Gov. Larry Hogan has issued an executive order prohibiting gatherings of more than 10 people. Following state and federal directives intended to slow the spread of the new coronavirus, COVID-19, Rockville events, classes, programs, rentals and activities are canceled through Thursday, April 30.