Our community needs something to look forward to now more than ever.

When SocialICE 2022 was announced, The Rochester Downtown Alliance said they were going to spread things out to give people extra space, but other than that they were hoping for a fairly normal event with several ice bars and sculptures and a DJ playing dance music.

They did say they would be working closely with health officials to make sure it is a safe event and adjust plans if necessary. Unfortunately, an adjustment is necessary because of the current COVID-19 surge in our community. Organizers announced a new name for the event and a new date on Wednesday morning.

Rochester's SocialICE 2022 Has Been Postponed

Credit: Alpha Digital
Credit: Alpha Digital
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A decision to postpone the event, which was scheduled for February 3rd-5th, has been made based on a recommendation from Olmsted Co. Public Health.

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The RDA says they will be "forgoing cold-weather-dependent components like ice" but the party is still on and will be held in downtown Rochester March 3rd-5th.

"Social Lights" will be a "visually stunning event with wow-factor lighting"
Alpha Digital
Alpha Digital
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The Rochester Downtown Alliance sent a press release on Wednesday explaining that Social-ICE is being rescheduled and rebranded this year because of the current COVID surge in Rochester, Minnesota.

The Rochester Downtown Alliance, in collaboration with participating downtown bars/restaurants and with guidance from Olmsted County Public Health and Mayo Clinic, is rescheduling the event from February 3-5 to March 3-5, 2022. In keeping with the spirit of Social-ICE and taking into consideration COVID-19 circumstances, this year’s event is being adapted to Social Lights, which features the traditional format of Social-ICE and incorporates exciting new elements.

 

Kanika Couchene, RDA director of events & strategic partnerships, said the event is important for community morale but everyone's safety is the top priority.

“Our community needs something to look forward to now more than ever. Equally important is offering the community a place to interact for their well-being and providing an opportunity to support downtown businesses in the process all the while keeping everyone safe. Rescheduling and adapting Social-ICE is a solution that addresses all these aspects.”

The RDA says "Social Lights" will be a "visually stunning event with wow-factor lighting" The event will have DJs and music, downtown bars with themes and specialty drinks, colorful interactive lighting displays, and experiential activities. Read the full press release, here.

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