The Berrien County Historical Association won’t be holding an in-person fundraiser next month after all. The group had been planning to welcome supporters to the museum grounds in Berrien Springs on September 17 with a celebration called “All That Jazz” and featuring a 1920s theme. There was also going to be a Zoom component for those who would rather celebrate from home. However, at a Thursday meeting of the Berrien County Board of Commissioners, the in-person aspect of the party was called into question. Commissioner Bill Chickering said the a committee has discussed the event with the Berrien County Parks Department.
“I was our conclusion that because large group gatherings have been canceled at all of our county parks, in all respects, for all of the season, we found it inconsistent with the position that the parks have taken in terms of large group gatherings,” Chickering said.
County Administrator Brian Dissette noted the parks department has been enforcing reduced crowd sizes at county parks. County commissioners concluded an exception should not be made for the Berrien County Historical Association. Dissette was told to let the association know. Its event will now be all virtual.
