Cañon City’s Main Street filled with vehicles Friday night – Canon City Daily Record


Cañon City’s Main Street filled with vehicles Friday night – Canon City Daily Record

Cañon City’s Main Street was filled with vehicles Friday night after local officials warned against such gatherings earlier in the week.

Several cars started to cruise Main Street after 5 p.m., with many residents parking and gathering by 7 p.m.

Main Street was lined with vehicles Friday night.

For the past two weeks, Main Street has played host to “cruise” events, but the April 24 event drew several complaints to the Fremont County Department of Public Health & Environment that residents weren’t following Colorado’s “Safer-at-Home” order, which doesn’t allow gatherings of more than 10 people. Complaints focused on residents who reportedly gathered in groups larger than 10 on sidewalks.

Officials said that the event grabbed the attention of state officials and impacted a waiver request to allow for the earliest reopening of local businesses that were closed because of the COVID-19 virus.

Cañon City Mayor Ashley Smith said just driving down Main Street is not a big deal, but per Gov. Jared Polis’ “Safer-at-Home” mandate, if the city promotes events that invite large crowds into one place during a small amount of time, that is considered a large gathering or event.

“This is for the safety of our community, it is also compliance to the governor’s mandate, as elected officials, as your mayor, I don’t have a choice to defy that, unless I want to put our community at great risk,” she said during Thursday’s Facebook Live event.

In a column earlier Friday, Smith further explained the city’s position to work with the county to stay in compliance with Colorado law during the coronavirus pandemic.

“The request to stop Friday night cruises and First Friday night events (for the time being) was done in tandem with Fremont County and according to the state law which we are required to obey,” Smith wrote. “It was not to be heavy-handed, defy first amendment rights nor suppress our ability to get out and release some steam. I, too, am frustrated with the far reach of the state and have serious concerns about our individual liberties. However, expressing frustration in professional and effective ways and encouraging non-compliance are two different things.”

Leaders previously warned that if the community defies the governor’s public health order, the city could face sanctions.

In a Facebook post Friday afternoon, the Cañon City Police Department stated what residents could expect if they go downtown that evening.

“If officers see gatherings of 10 or more people in an area or that are not complying with physical distancing (6 feet), they will be contacted and reminded of the Public Health orders,” the post stated. “If, after warnings, the same people choose not to comply with the warning, further enforcement action may be taken.”

CCPD also stated that businesses will be monitored to ensure compliance with orders on gatherings and physical distancing.

 


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