To Our Friends and Supporters,

Much like many other festival organizers, the board of the Greater Rochester Heritage Days Festival has watched carefully the economic and social effects of COVID-19 throughout Michigan and the world, and has been assessing the consequences of holding the festival. It is with heavy hearts that we have decided to cancel the 42nd annual Greater Rochester Heritage Days Festival that was scheduled for May 16th and 17th, 2020.

While the Heritage Days is dedicated to bringing the Greater Rochester history to life in a fun and tactile way, our first priority is the safety of our patrons, volunteers, performers, artists, and community members.We also want to do our part to help reduce the stress put onto the medical system and the best way everyone can do that is to avoid public gatherings.

Our festival prides itself on featuring Michigan artists and business owners. We are still committed to that goal and are acutely aware that for many households, revenue from artwork is now the only income stream. Heritage Days will do whatwe can to support Rochester small businesses, Michigan artists, food trucks, and performers affected by the cancellation of our event. Email a media packet to the
email below to be included in the “Virtual Art Show” to take place between May 1st and June 1st.

Heritage Days is a year-long project put together by Rochester Lions Club, Rochester Area Jaycees, Rochester Kiwanis Club, Dinosaur Hill Nature Preserve, Rochester Historical Commission, Oakland Township Historical Society, and the Rochester-Avon Historical Society. All of these groups are 501(c)3 organizations and are committed to helping the community in their own unique ways; the funds raised from Heritage Days allow these non-profits to help the community, so we would like to say ‘Thank You’ to all of the sponsors still
sponsoring our festival despite our cancellation. And if you’re struggling with the social, economic, or isolating effects COVID-19 has caused, reach out to see what one of our partner organizations may be doing to help you virtually!

While we’ve decided to cancel the Greater Rochester Heritage Days Festival, some or all of our participating non-profits are exploring options for the Fall of 2020 and we will keep you updated as soon as we have more information. We hope to see you next year!

Please Stay Safe!

Thank You for Your Support,
The Greater Rochester Heritage Days Festival Board