Tanager Place Summer Fest has been a time of community celebration for the past 29 years. Sadly, in acknowledgement of ongoing public health concerns, our 30th annual event will not be held in 2020.
“We know so many traditions enjoyed by area families have been upended in the wake of this pandemic, and we are truly disappointed to add Summer Fest to that list,” said CEO Okpara Rice. “While we weighed several ideas and options related to the event additional information about COVID-19 and potential links to childhood illnesses were coming to light. Ultimately, we had to concede too much remains unknown and that we could not justify the potential health risk to staff members, volunteers and attendees.”
Organizers are already turning their attention to next year’s event, tentatively scheduled for the first Saturday in June 2021.
Summer Fest, a free and mission-driven family festival, evolved throughout its 29-year history. Recent events were held on Collins Road at the Collins Aerospace Sports Complex and featured a wealth of no-charge activities for children and families, including a General Mills Build Your Own Cereal Tent, large inflatables, STEAM learning stations, car show with a Kids’ Choice Award, and Resource Row to connect area residents with service providers and nonprofits.
All such events are made possible by people and businesses who contribute to the cause and work behind the scenes. Our sincere thanks to the event sponsors listed below, many of whom have supported Summer Fest for many years and continue to stand with us. Volunteer Committee members have offered tireless and steadfast support. We could not have included the car show without the help of Eddie’s Rod & Custom and Master Tools.
We will miss dancing with the mascots, participating in a live radio broadcast, meeting new professionally trained animal friends, racing radio-controlled cars, having our faces painted and learning something new. But, most of all, we will miss being with all of you.
Thanks to our Summer Fest Sponsors
Event Sponsors:
- General Mills
- Collins Aerospace
Children’s Champion:
- TrueNorth Companies
Activity Sponsors:
- Banker’s Trust
- Bradley & Riley, PC
- Bank of America
- UFG Insurance
- Scout | Marion
- Hills Bank
- Green State Community CU
- Ingredion
- North Risk Partners – Benefit Solutions
- Worley Companies
- Iowa Realty
- Diamond V
- Tallet Properties
- Cedar Rapids Bank & Trust
- Popoli Ristorante & Sullivan’s Bar
- Valenta Plumbing & Heating, Inc.
- Robert Becker & Diane Handler
- John and Cindy Bloomhall
