The board members of the Karl L. King Municipal Band of Fort Dodge have recently decided to cancel the band’s annual appearance at the traditional Memorial Day ceremonies, which were scheduled to be held on May 25.

Conductor Jerrold P. Jimmerson states: “With the current concern over the pandemic and social distancing we are experiencing, and the recommendations from health officials, we feel it is best to not have the band members meeting together to perform at this time.”

The King Band Board has further decided to suspend the four concerts that were announced to be held during June as part of the summer season usually held at the Karl L. King Band Shell in Oleson Park. These cancelled dates include the following Sunday nights: June 7, 14, 21, and 28.

Jimmerson said “Bringing band members from surrounding communities together in close proximity to each other to rehearse, prepare, and perform these concerts is not in the best interests of their health and safety. It is also better to not have audience members in attendance until such time as we can all gather safely together again.”

The King Band Board will continue to monitor the current health situation, follow the recommendations from Gov. Kim Reynolds and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and watch what other municipal bands in the state are doing with their summer schedules. This board will plan to make a decision by June 20 regarding the four Sunday night concerts previously announced to be held on July 5, 12, 19, and 26.