Republic’s Have-A-Blast postponed until Labor Day weekend

The Republic Parks and Recreation Department has decided to postpone this year’s Have-A-Blast, an annual festival traditionally held around Independence Day, until Saturday, Sept. 5, which is over Labor Day weekend.
Jared Keeling, Parks and Recreation director, said the decision to postpone the festival was made in the interest of public safety.
“While the decision to delay HAB for 10 weeks was difficult, the city of Republic believes it was the right thing to do for all those involved,” he said. “A mass gathering of 8,000 (to) 10,000 people at the end of June that attracts people from all over southwest Missouri seems a little too soon. The extra time until September will allow us to further monitor the ever-changing COVID-19 situation and plan for whatever public health and safety guidelines might be in place as we draw closer to the rescheduled event.”  
While COVID-19 may have some impact, Keeling said the city will strive to make sure that as many of the attractions HAB is known for will be present at the festival.
“Our goal is host HAB 2020 in the same manner as previous years,” he said. “The headline band, Members Only, has been confirmed along with the pyrotechnic company, Gateway Fireworks, that will produce the pyro-musical fireworks display. Certain aspects will be further evaluated such as the ‘Kid Zone’ which includes many inflatables, but our goal is to provide as much family friendly fun as possible.”

Keeling said the Parks and Rec Department will continue to monitor the COVID-19 situation to make certain HAB 2020 will be a safe event for people to attend.
“All factors will continue to be evaluated as we approach early August and any modifications to the event will be announced by Aug. 5 if necessary,” he said.
Keeling also said it was important to the community that HAB be held this year, even if not exactly as it has in the past.
“Have-A-Blast is all about our Republic community coming together for a special evening to celebrate our patriotism,” he said. “It also provides many of our local non-for-profit organizations a chance to raise much needed funds for the good of their cause.”
Though most people would prefer that HAB be held as it normally has in the past, Keeling said the public has been very supportive of the festival’s postponement.
“While understandably some are disappointed in the postponement, our community has largely been understanding and appreciative that we didn’t choose to just cancel at this time,” he said.
Keeling also thanked the public for their support and patience with postponing HAB 2020.
“The city of Republic remains committed to the event and we appreciate our community’s patience and understanding with the event postponement,” he said. “We hope to see everyone at HAB 2020 on Sept. 5.”