By Greg Loescher, Chamber President

The Iola-Scandinavia Chamber of Commerce has cancelled two of its summer events: the annual fireworks display, raffle, and ball games at Taylor Field in Iola on July 3, and Tastes & Tunes of Iola Scandinavia, July 17-18, held at more than a dozen venues throughout the two communities.

The decisions came after discussing the events with Chamber officers and event committee members, village police and fire chiefs, and the Waupaca County Health & Human Services Department. Concern for the safety and health of volunteers, shop owners, attendees, and entertainers factored into the decisions.

This is the first time ever that the fireworks have been cancelled. Tastes & Tunes, in its third year, had storms, tornadoes and power outages to deal with last summer.

Possible alternative fall event options are being looked at by the Chamber, depending on the COVID-19 situation as summer progresses. Residents are asked to stay informed by following the Iola-Scandinavia Chamber on Facebook.