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Du Quoin fireworks canceled; summer concert series in jeopardy

Du Quoin's annual Independence Day fireworks have been canceled for 2020 - another disappointment brought to us by the novel coronavirus.

What's more, Du Quoin's summer concert series in July is currently on hold, as the Du Quoin Tourism committee waits to hear what the social distancing and event guidelines in Illinois will be a month from now.

The tourism committee had to pull the plug on the fireworks by May 31, the deadline given to them by their fireworks supplier. The supplier in turn needed to order the fireworks so as to have them by July 2, the scheduled date for the firework show at the Du Quoin State Fair.

But by May 31 the committee had no idea whether the state - which owns the fairgrounds - would permit a big gathering of people at the fairgrounds in early July. Moreover, had the committee signed a contract with the fireworks provider and then canceled, several thousands of dollars could have been lost.

"We don't want to cancel anything. We love putting on those things," said Heather Genesio, co-president of the tourism committee. "But it's out of our control."

Meanwhile, no bands have been booked for the annual summer concert series at Keyes Park. The concerts are held every Tuesday in July - a different musical genre each week - and are well-attended.

Genesio said even Phase 4 of Gov. J.B. Pritzker's Illinois recovery plan may not loosen the restrictions enough to permit the concert series to be held. Phase 4, which we may get to in July, permits gatherings of up to 50 people. More than that come to the park on concert nights.

"The coronavirus is spoiling the fun," Genesio said. "But we have to follow the guidelines, and do what the city and governor decides is best.

"All we can do is promise bigger and better next year."