If you don’t exactly “stay in” with the kids this weekend, it seems like a great idea to stick to small groups and low-density places. Mayor Muriel Bowser declared a state of emergency and a public health emergency at her press conference earlier today, and recommended that gatherings of 1,000 or more be canceled or postponed through March 31. The cancellations and postponements are now rolling in.
Things have changed so quickly. This past Saturday, my son and I attended a Smithsonian Early Enrichment Center (SEEC) “Preschool Pioneers” class at the Natural History Museum. I went without a second thought. Just four days later, I wouldn’t make the same decision. The Smithsonian has now postponed its “Evolve or Perish Game Night” with Labyrinth Game Shop, which was to be held at Natural History on Monday, and it may be canceling other educational events. (Update, 3/12: All Smithsonian public programs and events have been canceled through May 3. All museums currently remain open.)
So here’s a new kind of roundup: A list of some of the family and kid events this weekend that are already canceled or postponed:
- The Hill Center postponed its Family Happy Hour featuring King Bullfrog.
- The St. Patrick’s Day Parade is postponed indefinitely.
- The Wharf postponed its Ireland at the Wharf event.
- House of the Temple canceled its Children’s Hour concert.
Not this weekend, but:
- Miner Elementary is postponing its community yard sale that was scheduled for March 21.
- The National Cherry Blossom Festival has canceled and postponed several (not all) events.
- Today I received a “Road Closure” notice for the Rock n Roll Marathon on March 28, but I just now read in the Hill Rag that Mayor Bowser pulled the permit. The article details additional cancellations. Washingtonian has another list of canceled/postponed events in the area.
I have been reposting cancellation/postponement announcements on Capitol Hill Kid’s Twitter – check them out. I’m sure I don’t even have them all, but you get the idea.
Today at her press conference, Mayor Bowser talked about how her mother, in a risky age group at 81 years old, decided last night not to go ahead with her plans to go to a theater. However, the mayor’s mom is going ahead with other, everyday activities such as shopping for groceries and visiting her grandchild, Bowser said. For the health of all, Bowser urged DC residents to make careful decisions and “be part of the solution.” Let’s take that guidance seriously.
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