Saint Patrick’s Day is approaching, but from the perspective of the City of Ann Arbor, it’s going to be just another Wednesday. WEMU’s Heather Irvine reports.
The Ann Arbor City Council passed a resolution last week to authorize the closure of Main Street on St. Patrick’s Day. But with COVID-19 continuing to spread in the community, Ann Arbor MayorChristopher Taylorreconsidered.
“The message of the closure was that Saint Patrick's Day 2021 was going to be a thing, and it just shouldn't be.”
Mayor Taylor says downtown Ann Arbor is experiencing positive, COVID-friendly outdoor dining. However, the cultural reality of St. Patrick’s Day is usually demonstrated by social gatherings and alcohol consumption. This, the mayor says, is just too risky.
“We should continue to act in a safe and sort of measured manner that COVID requires, and celebration of St. Patrick’s Day in the ordinary course of business is not consistent with that.”
Mayor Taylor urges all residents to remain vigilant, to stay home, and wear green.
Non-commercial, fact based reporting is made possible by your financial support. Make your donation to WEMU todayto keep your community NPR station thriving.
Like 89.1 WEMU on Facebook and follow us on Twitter
— Heather Irvine is a writer/reporter for 89.1 WEMU News. Contact her at 734.487.3363 or email her studio@wemu.org
