City of Burien and Partners Canceling or Reimagining 2020 Community Events in Response to COVID-19 Pandemic
In compliance with the Washington State’s “Safe Start” plan, the City of Burien is converting the following City-organized events into virtual events through the rest of the year. The decision to cancel summer events was made earlier this year. Events that will go virtual include:
- Arts-a-Glow (virtual event – details to be announced)
- Día de los Muertos (virtual event – details to be announced)
Other community events sponsored by the City of Burien, and organized by Discover Burien and other community partners, will also be made a virtual event or canceled:
- Boulevard Park Block Party (canceled)
- B-Fit Challenge and Walk for Women (canceled)
- B-Town Fiesta (canceled)
The City of Burien and Discover Burien are looking for ways to transform these events into at-home celebrations or virtual events. The Día de los Muertos celebration and Arts-A-Glow event are being restructured to include art displays and activities community members can participate in at home. Discover Burien has launched a series of drive-in movies on private property throughout Burien.
“Our staff are working hard to find creative opportunities for community members to connect with each other safely, and to continue to celebrate our cultural traditions,” says Brian J. Wilson, Burien City Manager. “It can be hard to stay physically distant during the long days of summer, but it’s critical we stay the course and keep following public health guidelines. In order to reopen our economy, our community has to stay healthy.”
“We had a good response to our transformation of the annual Father’s Day Car Show into a car parade,” says Debra George, Discover Burien executive director. “We are now organizing a series of drive-in movies throughout Burien. We are trying to be creative so that we can keep these community traditions alive.”
The Burien Farmers Market re-opened on May 7, 2020 and will continue as long as public health agencies allow them to operate. Farmers markets are currently considered an essential business, and they will be required to follow public health safety protocols. Per Discover Burien, masks are required for entry to the Burien Farmers Market. EBT and Snap Market Match are available at the Burien Farmers Market.
The City will follow state and county proclamations on large gatherings when evaluating whether to host or permit public events. Please check the City’s website for the most up-to-date information on events.