NORWOOD -- The Norwood Village Green Concert Series has postponed its entire 2020 season, said a press release from organizer Joe Liotta.

Liotta cited COVID-19 virus restrictions and considerations, and the uncertainty that New York State will allow the North Country to reach Phase Three and Four of reopening allowing for larger group activities for entertainment and public gatherings as the reason for the cancellation.

The decision allowing the North Country to reach Phase Three and Four will not be forthcoming until June 15 at the earliest, and even if the governor lifts restrictions at that time, he could re-impose them at any time after that, the press release said.

The series administration is in the process of making arrangements with the scheduled performers and all of these artists are set to perform for 2021. A few date adjustments will have to be made, the release said. The series will also expand its 2021 season by adding several more events.

There were other factors in making this decision, said the press release:

• The audience may still impose its own restrictions and not attend. That will surely impact the Pass the Bucket donation drive held at each concert to fund the series.

• The groups themselves may have a hard time putting together their performances.

• The restrooms need work. People must have confidence in the sanitary condition and cosmetics of these restrooms. The series has a pending grant to do that work. The grant application will not be decided upon until mid June. That work would not be done in time to have any impact in 2020 but needs to be in effect by 2021, said the press release.

It is anticipated that a new flooring system will be installed and new guidelines for public restrooms that have come to light with COVID-19 will be taken into serious consideration and implementation.

• Assembling a work crew from high school students is not easy at this time. The Village budget is strained and we can save the village $4750 by not hiring these students at this time.

• The New York State budget is strained. There is no guarantee that the $12,000 earmarked for the series by NYSCA for 2021 will be forthcoming. The 2020 NYSCA moneys in-hand have not been used in 2020 so they will be available for 2021. If by chance we do get the new NYSCA moneys we will be in a stronger financial condition going forward.

• Other expenses and fees may be able to be eliminated for 2020.

The series will still will try to coordinate with Norwood-Norfolk Elementary regarding the Rustic Riders program there in the fall. If that goes ahead some virtual programming may be included too. In addition the lighting system project will be completed over the summer of 2020, the press release said.

Many individuals and organizations have donated to the series for the 2020 season, the press release said.

Series organizers will continue to contact those donors over a period of time, with the expectation they will want their donation to be used for the 2021 season.

The series will still have to raise about $12,000 in donations from those who usually donate.

The series management is confident its goals will be reached and is thankful for all past and future donations, the press release said.

Donations should be written to the Norwood Village Green Concert Series and mailed to: Norwood Village Green Concert Series, 3 Bicknell Street, Norwood, NY 13668.

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