The Lighting of Wake Forest, usually held early in December to welcome the holiday season, is the latest victim of COVID-19. The Wake Forest Town Board voted last week to suspend through March of 2021 all town-sponsored events that attract large crowds.
The town this year has also cancelled or suspended the series of concerts for Friday Night on White, the Fourth of July fireworks and other events.
In place of the event, always held on the first Friday in December, there will be a virtual event on Friday, Dec. 4. The annual Community Christmas Dinner, organized by the Community Council, will also be a virtual event on Dec. 7. The Christmas Historic Home Tour was set for Dec. 5 – it is held every other year – but the Historic Preservation Commission which sponsors the event announced in July it was postponing the tour until 2021. No other large outdoor events are scheduled from now through the first quarter of next year.
The town’s decision to extend its moratorium on huge gatherings was based on the expectation that residents will not be allowed to assemble safely in large numbers for the foreseeable future. Currently, state law limits gatherings to 50 people outdoors and 25 people indoors. Town officials say that once state restrictions loosen they will consider hosting events that draw bigger crowds.
In the meantime, Wake Forest is exploring and developing options that will allow residents (who so choose) to safely enjoy a mix of cultural and recreational activities and experiences within prescribed guidelines.
In November, the Wake Forest Renaissance Centre, which has been closed since late March, is scheduled to begin hosting a limited number of in-person events with a reduced capacity in accordance with state guidelines. The town and the Renaissance Centre will implement updated safety and cleaning protocols and take all reasonable precautions to best promote the health and safety of those who choose to participate.
To adhere to reduced capacity requirements, program attendees will be required to register in advance and sign a participation waiver. On the day of the event, masks and wellness checks will be required prior to admission. During the screening, attendees will be asked a few short questions and a temperature check will be performed using a touchless thermometer. Anyone who does not clear the screening, along with all the members of their group, will be prohibited from entering the Renaissance Centre. Several hand-sanitizing stations will be available throughout the facility and physical distancing will be enforced.
Additional information will be provided as events are announced.
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