By Kate Hill
Staff Writer
On June 5, Village of Cazenovia Mayor Kurt Wheeler provided his weekly update on the local response to COVID-19.
Wheeler reported that the July 4th parade, consisting primarily of vehicles and floats, will form on Green Street and Emory Ave at 3:30 p.m. and step off at 4 p.m.
The parade will be conducted over an extended route to allow for social distancing, and spectators will be asked to avoid congregating in large groups along the course. Additional details will be announced soon, Wheeler said.
In addition to the parade, Wheeler also announced Cazenovia will offer an Independence Run from July 1 to 7.
The July 4th Footraces are a major holiday tradition in Cazenovia, Wheeler said.
Going back 48 years, they are the oldest road race in the Central New York area.
Despite the weight of tradition, the usual format of a competitive race with hundreds of people at a starting line is not feasible in 2020, according to Wheeler’s announcement.
The Syracuse Chargers have canceled the official race, along with many others this season, out of concern for runner safety amidst the pandemic.
To keep the history of the event alive and provide a safe alternative, Cazenovia High School’s Cross Country and Volleyball teams will offer a virtual race this year.
The 1 mile, 5K and 10 mile courses will be marked and participants can self-time their run any time between July 1 and 7.
Spreading the competitors out over many hours and many days will allow for social distancing. The run hosts will maintain an unofficial results page for the events based on the self-reported times.
Participants will be invited to make a donation to support the Laker athletic teams organizing the event.
The Cazenovia athletes would also like to show their appreciation of local first responders by sharing the proceeds from the race with the Cazenovia Fire Department and CAVAC, Wheeler’s announcement said.
Sign-ups and donations can be made at: runsignup.com/Race/NY/Cazenovia/CazenoviaIndependenceRun
T-shirts to commemorate the event will also be produced and available for $10.
Cazenovia and its partners at the Syracuse Chargers plan to be back in full swing in 2021 for the 49th edition of the races.
Cazenovia hopes that this year’s virtual option will keep the tradition alive and give loyal participants a chance to get in their annual run in around July 4th.
Wheeler encouraged residents to help keep the village parks clean.
“The village is pleased to make its parks available for safe, outdoor activities for families during this challenging time,” he said. “Visitors are reminded that most village parks are carry-in/carry-out and that any waste receptacles present are for small items. Please do not leave litter in parks or dispose of household refuse in public containers.”
The Lakeland Park Waterfront is now open for public use. Hours will be posted near the waterfront.
Residents are reminded that, for safety, capacity has been reduced to 20 swimmers for each of the three zones.
“Please cooperate with the lifeguard on duty,” Wheeler said. “They are there to keep our swimmers safe, not to debate NYS and Madison County Health Department regulations.”
According to Wheeler, the rate of COVID-19 infection in the Greater Cazenovia Area remains extremely low, even as economic activity has increased.
As of June 4, there were two active cases in the Cazenovia Central School District.
“Please keep up the good work so we continue to make steady progress at reopening our local economy,” said Wheeler. “Keep a mask on hand and use it whenever shopping, and in outdoor situations when you cannot maintain safe social distance.”
For additional COVID-19 updates and resources, visit the CazCOVIDResponse website at sites.google.com/view/cazcovidresponse/home.
