PLANS PROCEEDING FOR MACOMB’S 2021 HERITAGE DAYS FESTIVAL: DEPENDENT ON STATE ENTERING PHASE 5 OF RESTORE ILLINOIS PLAN

(Macomb, IL) – The Macomb Heritage Days Committee, the City of Macomb, and the Macomb Area Convention & Visitors Bureau (MACVB) have concluded a Heritage Days celebration can be held this summer, if the State’s Phase 5 of the Restore Illinois Plan can be implemented on or before the third week of June. Though it is not possible to accurately predict whether the State would be in Phase 5 before the end of June 2021, the Committee based its decision to move forward with plans to hold the annual event after meetings with the McDonough County Health Department, McDonough District Hospital, the City of Macomb and the latest information coming from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC); particularly that COVID19 vaccinations are becoming more broadly available and infection rates and hospitalizations are trending remarkably lower. Governor Pritzker's encouraging Thursday press conference mapping a path to the State’s entry into Phase 5 of the "Restore Illinois Plan," additionally bolstered the Committee's decision to proceed with the 2021 Heritage Days festival.

"We're making an optimistic 'roll of the dice' because we had to cancel Heritage Days last year and we know we all certainly need and deserve a celebration", said Heritage Days Co-Chair Jock Hedblade. "But there’s a definite caveat, we have to be in Phase 5 of the Restore Illinois Plan, when large outdoor events will again be permitted and can assure the safety of attendees. But the Governor’s press conference was very encouraging, so, we’re going to stay positive, plan a great event and keep our fingers crossed," Hedblade added.

"We feel it is prudent and we support the decision to move forward with planning for this year's event" said Macomb Mayor Michael Inman, "The Committee and the City are committed because we understand the significance of Heritage Days to our community. But again, we want to be certain it can be held in a safe environment and with public health concerns in mind relative to the Restore Illinois Plan", Inman stated.

The Macomb Heritage Days Committee has resumed work on planning the event. The Committee also decided the 2021 Heritage Days theme would be "Community Strong." The theme is a nod to the resilience, determination and togetherness the community has displayed during this global pandemic crisis. Macomb Heritage Days 2021 is scheduled for Thursday thru Sunday, June 24-27. Vendor and parade registration forms are available at MacombHeritageDays.com.