EAST LANSING, Mich. — Due to continued high rates of COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations in the area, City of East Lansing staff have made the difficult decision to cancel the final two East Lansing Downtown Underground Markets scheduled to take place on Sunday, April 25 and Sunday, May 9 as a part of the “Daytime. Nighttime. Anytime. Place Project” (Place Project).
The Place Project was designed to provide the East Lansing community with an opportunity to safely engage in the local economy, while also providing the flexibility needed for staff to temporarily pause or cancel certain Place Project activities should the risk to public health increase during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Given the current COVID-19 case numbers and hospitalizations in Ingham County, it has been determined that the public health risks outweigh the benefits of continuing with the remainder of the indoor markets.
Community members can still enjoy other elements of the Place Project in downtown East Lansing, including the “ELHS & MMS” Community Art Exhibit, curbside pickup parking areas and the recently installed outdoor seating/dining areas for downtown patrons, which can be found at the following locations:
- Pedestrian alley located in the 500 block of Grand River Avenue
- North side of the Division Street Garage along Albert Avenue
- Plaza located on the east side of the East Lansing Marriott
- Ann Street Plaza (corner of Albert and M.A.C. avenues)
- Pedestrian link under Newman Lofts (adjacent to Barrio Tacos)
Community members can grab takeout from local businesses and take advantage of these outdoor dining locations. Downtown visitors are reminded that masks continue to be required inside businesses and in outdoor public spaces in downtown East Lansing unless seated at a table and eating/drinking. Safe physical distancing (at least six feet) from those that are not a part of the same household/group should also continue to be practiced.
City of East Lansing staff will be exploring other opportunities for downtown programming this summer and fall that continues to prioritize public health, while also supporting downtown East Lansing businesses. Staff are moving ahead with plans to host the 2021 East Lansing Farmers Market (ELFM) this summer and fall in Valley Court Park. Additional details about the ELFM will be provided soon.
Community members are encouraged to continue to safely support local businesses during these challenging times. If visiting businesses in person, be sure to follow all COVID-19 safety measures in place.