BETHEL — While the confirmed cases of COVID-19 continues to rise in the county and as Sullivan County begins to enter into Phase 1 of reopening, the town of Bethel discussed at their May 27 meeting what events to postpone for the summer and which ones will go forward.

“We have gone through a challenging time, as have all the communities across the country,” said Bethel Town Supervisor Dan Sturm. “I just want to state, on behalf of the board and myself, how appreciative we are for all of our town employees who have worked together for the past few months and kept our operations going.”

Lakeside Music

The Bethel Lakeside Music Series, which brings together local music talent to the Kauneonga Lake area to perform, will be postponed until Thursday, July 16.

The event was slated to begin on June 25 and is sponsored by the Bethel Local Development Corp. (BLDC.)

“We're trying to strike a balance between being safe and responsible and also have some events happen this year,” said Sturm.

Bethel Councilmember Vicky Simpson added, “I think postponing is something we need to do. I'm really hopeful that we'll be able to have something safe in Gazebo Park, it is such a wonderful event that we all enjoy over the summer.”

Sturm said the BLDC is working with the musicians to reschedule.

“Whatever restrictions are required, we would adhere to them,” added Sturm.

July 4

For 2020, the Town of Bethel was planning a Fourth of July celebration on July 3 featuring a fireworks display.

Due to COVID-19, the town decided to postpone the event until August.

“I see no way to properly control the amount of people which is required by law,” said Sturm.

Sturm said this event draws hundreds of people from the area, many stopping along State Route 17B to watch the fireworks as they light up the night sky with their dazzling lights.

“My view has been [in the past] the point of the fireworks is to bring people to the town and show it off, load up the restaurants, the shops, and the bars. By July 3, we may not be even out of the metrics,” said Sturm.

According to the reopening plan from the state, restaurants are not allowed dining indoors until Phase 3.

Sullivan County began Phase 1 on May 26, and according to Governor Andrew Cuomo, there will be at least two weeks before another phase of reopening can start if the region continues to meet the metrics.

“I think we may be doing them [restaurants] a disservice by having fireworks if we did not allow [them] to capitalize. We want everybody to participate,” said Sturm.

Sturm said one possible weekend that fireworks could happen is during the 51st anniversary weekend of Woodstock in August.

Farmer's Market

Sturm said the farmer's market held in the Kauneonga Lake area will go ahead as planned and will open for business on June 27.

The market will be open every Saturday after that at 10 a.m.

Sturm said they are reviewing and will abide by any regulations and guidelines it will take to open the market.

The Rock Hill Farmer's Market is set to open on June 6, and the Callicoon Farmer's Market has already been open for several weeks with strict protocols for buyers to adhere to.

Yoga in the Park

Sturm said that Lakeside Yoga in the Park will return this summer, but the date and time are to be determined.

Town Hall

Sturm said that starting on June 1, the town hall will reopen with a full staff; however, it will not be open to the public just yet.

He said the town hall had about 20 to 50 percent of the staff working at any one time since the Pause.

Town hall will open to the public starting on June 8 with restrictions said Sturm.

“We're asking all visitors to take precautions and comply with guidelines for everyone's safety once we get open on the eighth,” said Sturm.

Sturm said the employees would have access to hand sanitizer and wipes, masks, gloves, and Lysol spray at all times.

He said there will be signs outside stating that social distancing must be maintained at all times and to “please wear masks along with washing your hands.”

Sanitizers will be provided at the entranceway for the public before they enter, and the hallways of the town hall will have six-foot intervals marked on the floor.

Also, glass partitions will be added to the town clerk's office for added protection, said Sturm.

Sturm added, “We are going to be here for the public and each other.”