The annual tradition of Mule Camp in downtown Gainesville will take 2020 off.
The Gainesville Jaycees announced Tuesday afternoon that despite pre-planning to accomodate appropriate restrictions to handle the coronavirus pandemic, however a permit from the city was not issued to the Jaycees this year.
"The Gainesville Jaycees worked very hard to develop a thoroughly adapted plan for the site layout, traffic flow, sanitation procedures & food court layout," said ta statement from the Jaycees. "This proposal was presented to city staff last week with the understanding that we would be willing to do even more to offer a safe event if the city desired. The city did not seek any further discussion of mitigation and safety options before deciding not to permit the event."
Both the 5k run and the weekend-long street festival are cancelled.
Gainesville City Manager Bryan Lackey was requested for comment via email.
Meanwhile, the Gainesville Jaycees are offering three offers to those who had already paid an entry fee for the 2020 festival: defer your entry until 2021, donate your entry fee to the Empty Stocking Fund, or receive a full refund. Further details are on the Jaycees website.
