Roselle Park District to host 2021 summer concert series with COVID-19 precautions

The Roselle Park District will host its annual summer concert series, with provisions in place to protect against the spread of COVID-19.

The park district is partnering with the village of Roselle to host 11 concerts from June 3 to Aug. 19 at locations throughout the community, including Turner Park, Clauss Recreation Center, Kemmerling Pool and downtown Roselle. All shows are free and open to the public, with no tickets necessary.

Park District Director Lynn McAteer said the concert series is more manageable because it draws smaller crowds than other summer festivities in the village.

"I think it feels great to have it back. Our community is in desperate need of interaction with each other," McAteer said.

Face masks will be required, and the park district will designate social distancing with spaces painted on the ground for people to sit in.

Going ahead with the concert series is a change of pace compared to the cancellation of other summer traditions in the village.

Roselle officials canceled the Rose Parade and Rose Festival because of the uncertain timeline for slowing the pandemic.

Illinois is in Phase 4 of the Restore Illinois plan, which limits gatherings at festivals to 15 people per 1,000 square feet. Under the upcoming Bridge Phase, that number will increase to 30 people per 1,000 square feet. Beyond that, in Phase 5, capacity limits will be fully lifted.

Gov. J.B. Pritzker indefinitely delayed implementation of the Bridge Phase until more people are vaccinated and COVID-19 cases decline.

Roselle officials still plan to host its fireworks display and the Taste of Roselle in August. The village recently extended its contract with Melrose Pyrotechnics until Labor Day in case the planned July 3 fireworks display does not materialize.

"I'm excited to see our traditions begin to return along with the hustle and bustle around town in a way that promotes the health and safety of participants," village Trustee David Pileski said.