The frogs won’t jump this summer in Kanopolis. The volleyball court will be empty. In short, don’t look for the crowd that normally packs the city park the second weekend in July as part of the Fort Harker Days celebration.

The celebration won’t happen this year, thanks to concerns over the coronavirus pandemic that also has organizers of Wilson’s annual After-Harvest Czech Festival and Cowtown Days at Ellsworth exploring their options.

Kanopolis Mayor Anthony Hopkins, a member of the Fort Harker Days planning committee, said organizers have decided to cancel the 2020 celebration and demolition derby.

Hopkins said he is disappointed with a recent decision by Ellsworth County Health Department Supervisor Kerianne Ehrlich and a planning committee of local officials to limit summer gatherings to a maximum of 90 persons after the county enters the Phase Out portion of Gov. Laura Kelly’s plan to reopen Kansas. But he understands the reasoning behind the order — keeping communities safe so local children can go back to school safely this fall.

Cost was another factor. Hopkins said Fort Harker Days is mainly funded by local small businesses and this isn’t the time to be asking for donations.

Kanopolis isn’t alone. The Ellsworth Area Chamber of Commerce has canceled its annual fireworks display. The Ellsworth County Cancer Fund also has decided not to have a 2020 fundraiser. Both events are in June.

Others have yet to make decisions. Susan Kriley, co-chairman of the Wilson After-Harvest Czech Festival planning committee, said she is still trying to absorb the 90-person limit order and consider options.

Tami McGreevy, executive director of the Ellsworth Area Chamber of Commerce, said the Ellsworth Cowtown celebration board meets June 1 and a decision will be made then.