Westown Farmers' Market and River Rhythms concert series canceled for 2021 season in Milwaukee

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) --- Westown Association announced their decision to cancel the 2021 season of Westown Farmers' Market on Monday, May 10.

Officials say a majority of employees are still in remote environment, but are expected to return to their offices later this year. They also say due to renovations at 231 W. Michigan St., Third Street between Michigan Street and Everett Street will be closed through summer which impacts vendor and customer accessibility to Zeidler Union Square.

Westown Association also made the decision to postpone the River Rhythms concert series held at Pere Marquette Park.

Officials say Pere Marquette Park is Milwaukee county property and organizers would be required to enforce all Milwaukee County Parks and City of Milwaukee safety mandates including mask wearing, social distancing, and capacity limits, making it difficult to produce the event. However, officials say Westown has started discussions with Milwaukee County Parks to develop a plan to safely hold the event later this summer in hopes that restrictions are relaxed.

“With the new direction from the CDC regarding large, outdoor gatherings for fully vaccinated people, we are cautiously optimistic about hosting events later this summer,” said Stacie Callies, Executive Director of Westown Association. “Our staff and board of directors are creatively considering many options that will allow us to host a modified version of River Rhythms, a signature event that we are all very proud of. In addition, we are looking at new, exciting programming in Westown. No matter what, we can’t wait to welcome visitors back to our downtown neighborhood.”

Officials say Westown Association still intends to host Milwaukee's first ever Halfway to St. Patrick's Day Parade on Saturday, Sept. 25.