Sturgeon Park to be closed for spawning season

Popular music events cancelled for 2020
By: 
NEW Media Staff

Updated: 12:40 p.m., 4/7

SHAWANO — Coronavirus concerns have quashed a popular annual event that typically takes place in the spring of each year.

The city of Shawano has announced it will temporarily close down Sturgeon Park effective April 9, cutting the park off to the throngs of visitors that usually gather for the annual sturgeon spawn.

“With the continued increase of concern regarding COVID-19 and the recommendations to limit person-to-person contact, the city of Shawano has made the tough decision to temporarily close Sturgeon Park to the public,” the city said in a statement Thursday.

“The annual sturgeon spawn will take place in the coming weeks, and this event typically draws hundreds of people to Sturgeon Park at any given time,” the city said. “Currently, the recommendations being provided by the state of Wisconsin related to social distancing prohibits groups of 10 or more and having the ability to maintain distance of 6 feet between one another.”

According to the city, Department of Natural Resources staff will not be doing its usual sturgeon-tagging, but will still be present to monitor and ensure the safety and well-being of the sturgeon.

“While we understand the tradition of viewing this unique event is one that many of our residents and visitors look forward to every year, our number one priority is the health and safety of everyone,” the city said.

The city reported that its staff has had conversations with other local municipalities that are along the Wolf River, and the closure of Sturgeon Park is consistent with what other communities are doing to comply with current state mandates.

The city will be setting up its sturgeon cam in the next week so the sturgeon can be viewed from the city’s website at www.cityofshawano.com.

“Please continue to check our social media sites as we will do our best to provide periodic updates on the annual sturgeon spawn as well as information on the reopening of this park to the public,” the city said. “We appreciate your understanding and cooperation as we do our part to help limit the exposure to our community.”

Pulaski Polka Days 2020 cancelled

The Pulaski Polka Days, Inc. organizers have announced the decision to cancel the 2020 Pulaski Polka Days event, originally scheduled for July 16-19.

“The safety of our many volunteers and guests that attend this event are of the utmost importance,” organizers said on their web page.

Anyone with questions can email info@pulaskipolkadays.com. The committee will be monitoring this email. As organizers are all volunteers, they ask for patience when submitting questions or concerns.

Sun Drop Dayz

The Sun Drop Dayz committee has decided to cancel the 2020 event that was scheduled for June 5-6. All bands and vendors have been rebooked for June 4-5, 2021.

For questions or concerns regarding the event, please contact: sundropdayz@gmail.com.