HOLYOKE — With a wave of coronavirus infections continuing to grow, Holyoke Mayor Joshua Garcia announced Wednesday that the city’s inaugural ball will be rescheduled.
Initially planned for Jan. 8 at the Log Cabin, the ball will now take place on Feb. 26. Garcia’s announcement comes just a day after he announced a mask mandate for all municipal buildings.
“I cannot, in good conscience, proceed with having an event of this size with cases on the rise here in the community,” Garcia said in a statement. “Please accept my apologies for any inconvenience this rescheduling may cause and thank you for your continued patience and support as my team and I look to best serve Holyoke.”
Tickets to the event will be refunded upon request.
The city’s inauguration ceremony will still be held at City Hall on Jan. 3 at 10 a.m., which is when the city charter calls for the swearing in of newly elected officials to take place.
Those to be sworn in are Garcia, the city clerk and treasurer, city council members and school committee members.
Dusty Christensen can be reached at dchristensen@gazettenet.com.