NEWS INFORMATION FROM |
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THE OFFICE OF MAYOR STEPHEN R. REED |
FOR IMMEDIATE USE |
KIPONA FESTIVAL UPDATEMayor Stephen R. Reed this afternoon said that the majority of Kipona Festival events and activities will occur as scheduled, although most of the river-based events are being cancelled because of projected rises in the river levels. Weather and river forecasters are now saying the Susquehanna River may rise to 14 ft. by Monday morning, which would have some impact on City Island facilities. The river’s rise is not expected to have any impact on the fireworks display, which is still set for Sunday night at 8:35 p.m. Reed said the Kipona Drag Boat and Reese Classic Canoe Races have already been cancelled, and officials with the Bass Fishing Tournament are waiting until Noon on Saturday to make a determination about their event. If the river level goes to 10 ft. or higher it is likely the event will also be cancelled. The Rubber Duck Regatta, normally held at the barge in Riverfront Park, has been relocated to the Comcast Market Street Stage at 5 p.m. on Monday, and will involve a simple drawing of the winning entries. Also now cancelled is the open-air movie slated to be shown on City Island at the Skyline Sports Complex on Saturday night. The Greater Harrisburg Arts Council, coordinator of the Kipona Artfest is also allowing artists to set up late on Saturday or early Sunday. At least 10 artists from areas to the south have also now cancelled their participation in the show, as they are dealing with flooding and other storm-related issues. The Funtastik Footbag Tournament, originally set for City Island, has now been moved to Morrison Park at N. 12th and Herr Streets on Saturday, and returns to Riverfront Park on Sunday and Monday, while the Breath of Nature Karate Tournament remains set for City Island’s Carousel Pavilion on Saturday. Reed said “nearly everything originally set for Kipona will still take place. Several activities are being moved to new sites, but no one should get the idea that there will not be much to see and do at Kipona because the exact opposite is true. Over 200 vendors, rides, exhibits, tournaments, concerts and other events and activities are set to go as scheduled. “While heavy rains may impact the Festival through Saturday afternoon, current forecasts indicate the weather should be fine from Saturday night through Monday night, the last night of the Festival.” Reed said river level forecasts received late this morning indicate the Susquehanna may crest at 14 ft. on Monday morning. This will have minor impact upon some of the lower lying areas of City Island, specifically around the RiverSide Village Park area on the eastern side of the Island, but will not require any major evacuation or closure of the Island and its facilities. The projected level does not impact public parking or any of the other attractions on the Island, all of which will be open and operating all weekend long. The steps along the waterfront may also be underwater at these depths. Boaters should be especially cautious about venturing out onto the river this weekend, as river flows will be very fast and extensive debris may also be present, presenting serious safety hazards for marine craft. The Mayor said the projected river crest should have no effect on any residential areas of the city. Heavy rains predicted for tonight through tomorrow may cause sudden rises in creeks and streams however, with the Paxton Creek likely to rise quickly. This may cause some minor, temporary flooding along the Cameron Street corridor and at some intersections, particularly in lower lying areas such as Cameron and Maclay Streets. Reed said the Kipona Festival will go on rain or shine, from Saturday to Monday. Hours are 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Saturday and Monday, and Noon to 10 p.m. on Sunday. The grand fireworks display remains scheduled for Sunday evening at 8:35 p.m. The raindate for the fireworks is Monday night, Labor Day, at the same time. |
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