With various events postponed or cancelled this summer in the Fairmont area, the coronavirus has taken a toll on the things people have come to expect and enjoy when the weather finally becomes accommodating. City festivals are among the casualties, as officials look to keep people apart, i.e. socially distanced. The Relay for Life will not take place in its normal form at the fairgrounds. There will, instead, be a virtual Relay. The fate of the Martin County Fair is undecided at this point.

Martin County Commissioner Elliot Belgard made an important point this week about such matters while talking about a proposed dedication ceremony at the Veterans Memorial site in Fairmont slated for Aug. 1. He said that not only could people attending suffer ill effects, but the event itself could suffer, because fewer people may come. So he believes rescheduling is a better option. Others on the board agreed with him. As do we. The Veterans Memorial Committee has the final say.

A delay is a delay; it’s not an insult. And it is smart for several reasons, including people’s health. And why spend countless hours planning and preparing — and spending money — for what could be bust in terms of turnout? Why not wait a bit and gauge a better time to move ahead?

Everyone is tired of hunkering down, but there is no need to rush some things. Certainly, it would be nice if Minnesota businesses would be allowed to move ahead faster. But one-time or annual events that are held by choice can use discretion to make sensible decisions, as many already have done.