Oakwood’s 50-year Ice Cream Social canceled because of coronavirus

The city of Oakwood has canceled its annual Ice Cream Social this year due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The city announced on Wednesday that the event — held for more than 50 years, and which had been planned for Aug. 9 — will not be held because the coronavirus prevents city staff from planning and conducting it in a manner that is safe for participants.

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This traditional Oakwood event, which draws around 2,000 people, has marked the end of the summer vacation season and has celebrated the beginning of a new school year, according to the city.

“It is very regrettable that we need to cancel this special community event, but the situation demands it,” Leisure Services Director Carol Collins said in a statement released by the city. “We look forward to again conducting the Ice Cream Social in August 2021.”

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The Ice Cream Social began in the late 1960s as an event hosted by the Oakwood YMCA. The Oakwood Y was located at 105 Patterson Road, now home to the Oakwood Community Center. The city of Oakwood acquired the 105 Patterson Road property from the YMCA in 1987, and has hosted the Ice Cream Social each year since then.

“While we can’t safely host the social this year, I encourage Oakwood residents looking for ice cream to support our local Oakwood businesses,” Mayor Bill Duncan said in the city’s release.

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