TUPPER LAKE — The Board of Tupper Arts has canceled the July 3 performance of the band Late Earth at the Tupper Lake Sunset Stage bandshell, which was to precede fireworks and kick off the 2020 Summer Sunset Series. Additionally, the next scheduled concert in the lineup has been postponed to 2021. Rez Pony, a rock band from the Akwesasne Reservation, was to have performed on Monday, July 6.

The July 3 festivities, “Tupper Celebrates the Fourth,” were originally scheduled to include the 10th Mountain Division Band from Fort Drum and conclude with fireworks. The Fort Drum band withdrew from all of its summer activities in May, and the fireworks were moved on Friday to July 4 by the Village of Tupper Lake and Chamber of Commerce on Friday.

The decision by the Tupper Arts Board was prompted by current safety restrictions due to the COVID-19 pandemic, rescheduling of the fireworks, and other considerations. Rez Pony made the decision to withdraw from the July 6 concert, which was to have been sponsored by the Wild Center.

The remaining performances of the Summer Sunset Series are currently still scheduled, except for Shakespeare in the Parks, which will return in 2021. A decision whether to postpone the entire series to 2021 will be made next week.

Additionally, the Tupper Arts Board has postponed its 2020 Little Loggers Kids’ Shows to 2021. This series, scheduled for Friday mornings at the Sunset Stage, also is considered a safety risk according to current state guidelines. Three of the six scheduled acts in this series had already cancelled. They will all be rescheduled for 2021. Tupper Arts is currently still going ahead with its arts shows, exhibits, and gift-shop reopening at the Tupper Arts Center, 106 Park Street, with the Board committed to following all guidelines set forth by the State of New York for complying with social distancing, contact tracing, and other measures currently required. A tentative opening date is scheduled for July 15.