Lauren Nelson believes its absence will only enhance the popularity of the Fulton Street Fair when it comes back.
Like many events over the last year, the Fulton Street Fair was canceled in 2020 due to the coronavirus pandemic. The street fair is tentatively scheduled to return for its 17th version June 25-26 in downtown Fulton.
"I think people are looking forward to a little normalcy, maybe more than before," said Nelson, the Fulton Street Fair committee co-chair along with Tiffany Cox. "I think they're excited about the anticipation of an event."
Nelson - who has been a member of the committee for eight years - added it was difficult to call off the street fair last year.
"It was so disappointing because we had worked so hard (on planning) - everything was in line to move forward," she said. "Working with the county health department, I know we made the right decision.
"It still kind of takes the wind out of your sails."
Representatives from the Fulton Street Fair committee will seek to confirm this year's event when they request permission from the Fulton City Council during its meeting Tuesday night at Fulton City Hall.
"We want everybody to have the opportunity to voice concerns about what is the best and safest way to proceed," said Nelson, who was voted in as Fulton Ward 4 councilwoman during the April 6 municipal election. "Hopefully, it will be a positive outcome, but we're looking for some guidance."
Since the Fulton Street Fair is an outdoor event, Nelson said the committee would be providing precautions such as extra hand sanitizer, but visitors would not be asked to wear face masks.
"We're very hopeful that there are going to be very few restrictions," she said. "People in the community are very mindful of making the right decision. We hope the community will be in really good shape (COVID-wise by late June)."
Nelson noted the committee is "on track to where we need to be" in finalizing the details and schedule for this year's Fulton Street Fair.
"With the Kiddie Corral, we're introducing some new things," she said. "We're also looking at some different bands to bring in a different crowd, but nothing is secured yet. We have some good things in the works."
To stay updated on this year's Fulton Street Fair, visit fultonstreetfair.com or Fulton Street Fair on Facebook. The committee can also be contacted by email at [email protected].