Organizers cancel Car d’Lane, Brewfest

The surge in COVID-19 cases across North Idaho has led to widespread interruptions of community events, continuing Friday with the cancellation of Coeur d’Alene’s upcoming Downtown Brewfest and Car d’Lane.

Organizers said they were heeding the advice from public health officials.

“The Coeur d’Alene Downtown Association has carefully consulted with the city of Coeur d’Alene and Panhandle Health District regarding COVID-19 and the health and safety of the Coeur d’Alene community and visitors,” the Downtown Association said in a statement. “Upon consideration, the Coeur d’Alene Downtown Association Board of Directors (has) made the decision to cancel the Downtown Brewfest and Car d’Lane.”

Brewfest, the popular opportunity for local taphouses to serve and show off their wares, was to be held July 11 before Friday’s cancellation. Organizers had postponed Car d’Lane, the longstanding June fixture, until July 17 and July 18, hoping the pandemic would lighten as the summer rolled forward. But Downtown Association manager Terry Cooper said public safety needs to take a priority over tradition.

“While we enjoy putting on community events that help boost the local economy, we support the recommendation from Panhandle and the city,” Cooper said. “The Downtown Board’s decision to eliminate these large gatherings will hopefully minimize any increase and allow downtown small businesses to continue to operate.”

Katherine Hoyer of Panhandle Health said the public health department made their recommendation out of concern for the rising trend in cases, adding that the Downtown Association’s decision was the responsible move.

“We are grateful for our community partners and their willingness to discuss these upcoming events with us. Due to the large amount of community transmission we are seeing, and the sharp spike in cases, we recommended that the Coeur d’Alene Downtown Association consider cancelling or postponing these events. We need everyone to practice the precautions we know can slow the spread in order to keep our businesses open and our community safe.”

As of Friday afternoon, North Idaho’s COVID-19 count stood at 220 patients, more than double its cases from eight days earlier. The influx of new patients, brought on in concert with increased public activity as Idaho Gov. Brad Little has gradually eased restrictions since May 1, has forced the cancellation of events across North Idaho, including Thursday’s announcement that the Coeur d’Alene Chamber of Commerce-sponsored Fourth of July parade and festivities would be canceled, as well.

Emily Boyd, event coordinator for the Downtown Association, said she was saddened Brewfest and Car d’Lane had to be canceled, but stressed that the health of the community takes precedence.

“We feel that taking these measures now and cancelling these larger events will help keep our businesses open and keep their customers and guests safe and healthy,” Boyd said. “Keeping everyone healthy now will put us in the position to host these events in the future. But right now, our biggest goal is to keep the businesses open where customers can practice social distancing in a healthy environment.”